Red Arrows Pilot Dies

[mattythedog]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-15640104
Very sad Thats the second death in a few months. I think the Red Arrows may shut down now.

R.I.P.

 

[Wiegert]

I heard that the pilot was seriously injured after that incident earlier, but to find out that said pilot has died is saddening to say the least, especially as it's only been a few months since Jon Egging lost his life while performing with the Red Arrows.

It seems like the ejector seat malfunctioned from what I can tell, but still waiting to hear what really caused the accident.

 

[homeforsummer]

I'll extend my condolences here too. RIP.

I fear people will start asking questions about the viability of the Red Arrows. Doesn't matter that it's naturally dangerous anyway and that both deaths have - presumably - been the cause of unavoidable circumstances. People just look at the numbers, a bit like all the online loudmouths did when Dan Wheldon and Marco Simoncelli died, calling for motorsport to be banned.

 

[dhandeh]

Yet more sad news.

 

[BobK]

Sad news indeed, and my condolences to his family and friends.

I do hope, however, that this isn't used to shut down the Red Arrow team, or any other similar team. Yes it's dangerous work. But the pilots all know this when they volunteer for it. Of course safety is paramount, but things like this do happen.

Again, my condolences.

 

[TheCracker]

I was under the impression that modern ejector seats were designed to work on the ground and when stationary (Zero-Zero).

Although nothing has been mentioned about the circumstances of the accident, it sounds as if the pilot wasn't strapped in properly at the time. Very sad.

 

[DQuaN]

They are. This one malfunctioned particularly badly. The canopy didn't blow and the shute didn't open

(so I've heard anyway)