Steve W-O Posted November 8, 2011 Share Posted November 8, 2011 Anyone know what has happened? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve W-O Posted November 8, 2011 Author Share Posted November 8, 2011 A search is now revealing an ejector seat accident, while on the ground Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wingman Posted November 8, 2011 Share Posted November 8, 2011 The pilot has died. A terrible year for the Arrows Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Bott - Moderator Posted November 8, 2011 Share Posted November 8, 2011 Another very sad day for the RAF Aerobatic Team. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom T Posted November 8, 2011 Share Posted November 8, 2011 RIP. My thoughts go to his family, friends and his fellow pilots. Is there a problem with BAE systems? I think they should get rid of the whole fleet of aircraft and replace it with new hawk T2's and then run numerous safety checks.... I can't believe they could let another major accident happen within a few months of the other. Does anyone know which pilot it is yet? Cheers Tom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter Miller Posted November 8, 2011 Share Posted November 8, 2011 If it was an ejector seat accident it could be any one of a number of reasons. There have been accidents with bang seats ever since they were invented. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Withnell 1 Posted November 8, 2011 Share Posted November 8, 2011 I didn't think bang seats had been used for decades? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Privett Posted November 8, 2011 Share Posted November 8, 2011 Posted by Tom T on 08/11/2011 18:41:44: Does anyone know which pilot it is yet? From several sources, "The pilot's family has asked for a period of grace until his name is released." The Daily Wail however have seen fit to ignore that request... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terence Lynock Posted November 9, 2011 Share Posted November 9, 2011 The reporting and editorial staff of the Daily Wail I group alongside the produce from my mates allotment, or am i being a bit harsh on the produce from my mates allotment?............maybe.Edited By Terence Lynock on 09/11/2011 00:24:11 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trev Posted November 9, 2011 Share Posted November 9, 2011 Agree with all sentiments in these posts. I consider myself extremely priveledged as I work close to Scampton where the RA's are based and often watch them practicing overhead, it is awe inspiring, these guys are so skilled and it is heartbreaking to hear of another tradgedy so close to the previous one. Indeed our thoughts must go out to the squadron and family members concerned. I just cannot imagine a world without these people who do this, they are ambassadors for the UK, every one of them - so sad !! Thank you Daily Wail for showing zero respect to someone who deserves so much more.................... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Former Member Posted November 9, 2011 Share Posted November 9, 2011 [This posting has been removed] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom T Posted November 9, 2011 Share Posted November 9, 2011 Hi everyone this is a video i made designed as a tribute to Flt Lt Sean Cunningham.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom T Posted November 9, 2011 Share Posted November 9, 2011 Did it work?? If not here it is....HERE Cheers Tom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sticky fingers Posted November 9, 2011 Share Posted November 9, 2011 Lovely tribute Tom well done.As an ex RAAF rigger and worked at RAF base Valley on Hawk and the Middle East on Tonkas as a civvy, I have a great respect for the lads who take the fast jets into the blue yonder.Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom T Posted November 9, 2011 Share Posted November 9, 2011 Thanx They are a great team and give great entertainment to the thousands! Such a shame that the Nation has lost two great pilots within 3 months. Tom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Privett Posted November 10, 2011 Share Posted November 10, 2011 Posted by trev on 09/11/2011 02:36:25: Thank you Daily Wail for showing zero respect to someone who deserves so much more.................... I don't suppose much will come of it, but over 90 complaints have been made to the Press Complaints Commission. More here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter Miller Posted November 10, 2011 Share Posted November 10, 2011 I hear that the Tornados have been grounded because they use the same seats. We lost the Office I/C model club at Wattisham back in 63 when he was in a two seat Hunter. They went inverted the caonpy went and his seat slid half way out and dumped him, The aircraft came back with the other pilot. Not really clear what happened but I saw the aircraft in the hangar with the seat still half way out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve W-O Posted November 10, 2011 Author Share Posted November 10, 2011 It seems he was South African born, returned to the UK whern he was 9. Had the chance to become a profesional footballer, but chose flying. Reports are that the major injuries were caused because the canopy failed to open (or charges failed to burst it) and he was forced through the canopy. Whether that cause the chute not to deploy isn't stated. The fact that the chair ejected, but the canopy charges didn't blow (I assume that is what they meant by it not opening, maybe it is totally diferent) would indicate a fault in the chair itself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keith Simmons Posted November 10, 2011 Share Posted November 10, 2011 Horrific accident, How thick was the "glass"? I do think he would have been very unfortunate having to go through the canopy itself. Very sad news. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Gilder Posted November 10, 2011 Share Posted November 10, 2011 Keith, From my memory of when I was lucky enough to have a back seat flight in one of the Red Arrows Hawks (a few years back now), the canopy glass is approx 3/4 - 1cm thick. I agree this is a tragic incident so shortly after the Bournmouth incident. But isnt is strange just how much extras media coverage it is getting because it was a Red Arrows Pilot (or is that just how I'm seeing it!) Still, The RAFAT do great things to promote the RAF and I have seen just how much work the enginnering ground crew (Blue Suits!) do to keep them going. Long may they Fly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Josip Vrandecic -Mes Posted November 10, 2011 Share Posted November 10, 2011 Terrible incident....RIP....... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keith Simmons Posted November 10, 2011 Share Posted November 10, 2011 Many thanks David. I think the Red Arrows is very much in the public eye, and is used for public displays and therefore high profile. The other serving officers in the world's Airforces is more hidden and accidents do happen due to demands in the training regime and active duty, I don't mean that each person's death is acceptable but if that's the price we pay for. (If you know what I mean.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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