Red Arrows practice formations for the first time since loss of pilot in crash

Man down: Eight Red Arrow Hawk T1 jets practise flying in a diamond formation over RAF Scampton, in Lincolnshire, today as they resumed training for the first time following the death of Flight Lieutenant Jon Egging



For decades the Red Arrow aerobatic display teams have flown at airshows across the country with nine planes in their trademark formations.
Eight of the aircraft took to the sky yesterday as they resumed training for the first time since Flight Lieutenant Jon Egging was killed in a crash.
Villagers watched with pride as the pilots put their Hawk T1 jets through a 35 minute practise session above their base at RAF Scampton, Lincolnshire.
Although they have a spare tenth plane there are only nine pilots trained to take part in the formations. In the past they have performed as groups of eight at air displays when one of the team has been unwell.
Flt Lt Jon Egging, 33, was killed on August 20 during a display at Bournemouth, Dorset, when he failed to eject as his plane crashed.
The remaining pilots performed a range of manoeuvres including flying in their trademark diamond formation. They took off as two groups of four before re-grouping in the air so they could practice together.
Red Arrows leader Squadron Leader Ben Murphy said he and his colleagues felt 'great sadness' at returning to their base without Flt Lt Egging.
He added: 'The pain and shock of losing Jon is still very real, and very raw, and all of our thoughts and prayers are with Jon's wife Emma and with his family.
'Whilst we are feeling a very personal grief, the public response to Jon's tragic death has been overwhelming and humbling and I would like to thank all those who have paid tribute to Jon by sending flowers, cards and letters and be assured that these have been of great comfort to Jon's family and to us.
'In particular, I would like to thank the people of Bournemouth and Lincolnshire and, especially, the Dorset emergency services who have all shown great compassion and sensitivity.
'Jon, as a Red Arrows pilot, encapsulated everything that is the 'Best of British'; he was an exceptional pilot, a dedicated RAF Officer who saw service for his country but, moreover, he was a selfless and compassionate friend who will be sorely missed.

Killed in action: Flight Lieutenant Jon Egging died in Bournemouth, Dorset, at an air display show on August 20. He failed to eject as his plane got into difficulties


'The fortitude, resilience and pride that Jon showed in life are exactly the qualities that define our Armed Forces and it is these that will enable us to get back on our feet and move on.
'For that reason, and in Jon's memory, the Red Arrows will be displaying to the public again at the earliest possible opportunity.


Images/Source: © Albanpix/Mail Online


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Todd Green Dies after falling 200 Feet at the Michigan Selfridge Air Show

WARNING: VIDEO AND IMAGES MAY DISTURB



Stuntman from the Silver Wings Wingwalking Team has died after falling about 60 metres from a biplane while reaching for a helicopter at an airshow.

A stunt wing walker died Sunday after falling about 200 feet at an air show in southeastern Michigan, officials said. Technical Sgt. Dan Heaton, a spokesman at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, said wing walker Todd Green was trying to move from a plane to a helicopter when he fell at the base in Harrison Township, about 20 miles northeast of Detroit.
Many spectators thought that it was a part of the performance then shortly after found out that something had gone wrong. Hospital spokeswoman Diane Kish said Green died from his injuries.
Green, a Michigan native, started performing aerial stunts over 25 years ago. He is the son of prominent aerial stuntman Eddie Green. He leaves behind his wife, Dawn, his son Tyler and his stepson Derrick.

Source: Associated Press

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Red Arrow plane Crashes near Bournemouth Airport after Air Show Display

Red 4 Pilot Lt Jon Egging


Red Arrows pilot Lt Jon Egging died today when his stricken jet crashed after he made a dramatic attempt to steer it away from nearby houses following a display at the Bournemouth Air Festival.

The plane plunged to the ground and bounced into a river near Bournemouth Airport in Dorset after a demonstration at the town's Air Festival.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: "We can confirm that we are aware of an incident involving one of the Red Arrows and we are investigating."

A member of staff at the West Beach restaurant on the seafront said she watched the Red Arrows complete their display without any problems.
She said the display lasted "about ten minutes".

Since 1979, the Red Arrows have used the dual control BAE Systems Hawk T1 aircraft.
According to the aerobatic team's website, the planes' Rolls Royce engines produce 5,200lbs of thrust and give a top speed of Mach 1.2. They have been based at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire since 2001. Local resident Shaun Spencer-Perkins said the plane came down in fields, near a river. Moments after the crash, members of the public jumped into the river to try and recover Lt Eggings body.

Egging banked steeply to the right in order to avoid crash landing into houses which, if it had happened, would have caused a serious casualty rate.

It has been suggested by sources that the remaining eight aircraft could be grounded until such time as mechanical failure as the cause of Red 4’s catastrophic crash has been discounted. A fact which could mean that the display by the remaining eight Red Arrows pilots and Hawks scheduled for Bournemouth Air Festival on August 22nd may now not take place.




Source: Mirror.co.uk

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