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Apollo11 -> RE: THE THREAD!!! (11/10/2011 10:37:43 AM)
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Hi all,
Martin, possible insight (if you know and, of course, can talk) into recent accident by RAF Red Arrows (pilot was catapulted from tarmac and died)?
[:(]
quote:
Red Arrows: tributes to Iraq war pilot killed in ejector seat tragedy
By Telegraph UK
A former Iraq war pilot was killed when the ejector seat in his Red Arrows jet malfunctioned, it has been confirmed.
[image]http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02050/Cunningham-red-arr_2050594c.jpg[/image]
[image]http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02049/redarrows_2049723c.jpg[/image]
The family of Flight Lieutenant Sean Cunningham said that he died fulfilling a lifetime dream to fly with the Red Arrows and said they hoped his life would be an inspiration to others.
Flt Lt Cunningham, was flung from the Hawk T1 aircraft while sitting on the runway at the team’s base at RAF Scampton, Lincs, during a training session on Tuesday.
The 35-year-old was airlifted to hospital but died on the way.
It is the second tragedy to hit Red Arrows in less than three months and puts the future of the RAF’s aerobatic display team into question.
Last night it was not clear why the ejector seat was activated and the RAF said a full independent inquiry would investigate what occurred.
The MoD said that all non-essential flights on aircraft with similar ejector seats would be grounded as a precaution.
The team was previously grounded in July 2010 because of a problem with the ejector seats on Hawk jets identified during a routine check carried out at RAF Valley. A crack was discovered in one of the seats. In August Flt Lt Jon Egging, another pilot, was killed during an air show near Bournemouth Airport in Dorset.
The 33 year-old, from Rutland, was the first Red Arrows pilot to die in a crash for 33 years. His wife Emma had been watching him perform just minutes before he went down.
Flt Lieut Cunningham was born in South Africa but grew up in Coventry and studied electrical engineering at Nottingham Trent University.
Serving with the RAF’s 617 Squadron, the “Dambusters”, he flew close air support missions during operations in Iraq before being selected for the Red Arrows earlier this year.
Only 10 days ago he took part in a fly-past at Lincoln Cathedral in honour to commemorate a memorial service held for Flt Lt Egging.
His parents Jim and Monika and sister, Nicolette, said that flying with the Red Arrows had been a lifetime dream.
"Sean was first and foremost a much-loved son and brother who will be dearly missed by all of his family, and his many good friends," they said in a tribute.
"Since his childhood Sean had dreamed of flying fast jets in the Royal Air Force.
"Through his hard work and dedication he achieved that dream, and the pinnacle of his career was to fly in the Red Arrows.
"Sean loved his flying and we hope that his life will be an inspiration to all those who share his dreams.
"His fun-loving nature has never failed to put a smile on the faces of those who knew and loved him; this is how he will be remembered."
Philip Hammond, the Defence Secretary, paid tribute to a "gifted pilot who served his country with honour and distinction" and said thta as a Red Arrow he had been "among the most talented aviators in the world".
Air Vice-Marshal Mike Lloyd, Air Officer Commanding, of Number 22 Group, said his service had been "outstanding".
Meanwhile Group Captain Simon Blake, the Commandant of the RAF's Central Flying School, said: “His constant smile, energy, and joie de vivre was infectious and he will be sorely missed by his fellow pilots, the entire Red Arrows team and his many colleagues and friends in the wider Royal Air Force.
"Our heartfelt sorrow and sympathy go out to his family and all those whose lives he touched."
Leo "Apollo11"
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