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Red Arrows pilot killed in incident at RAF Scampton | |
(40 minutes later) | |
A Red Arrows pilot has died after being ejected from an aircraft at the aerobatic team's base in Lincolnshire. | |
The RAF confirmed that the pilot was ejected from a Hawk T1 jet while it was on the ground at RAF Scampton. | |
The Military Aviation Authority is carrying out an independent inquiry to determine the cause of the incident. | |
Gp Capt Simon Blake said: "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends and colleagues at this difficult time." | |
The pilot's family have been told and have asked for a period of grace until his name is released. | |
Gp Capt Blake said: "It would be inappropriate to speculate on the cause of the incident until that inquiry is complete. The investigation will determine the facts." | |
Lincolnshire Police earlier confirmed they were attending an incident at Scampton, but did not comment further. | |
East Midlands Ambulance crews were called to the scene at about 11:09 GMT, along with the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance. | |
'Massive bang' | 'Massive bang' |
Eyewitnesses close to RAF Scampton reported seeing one of the Hawk aircraft with a smashed canopy, according to BBC defence correspondent Jonathan Beale. | Eyewitnesses close to RAF Scampton reported seeing one of the Hawk aircraft with a smashed canopy, according to BBC defence correspondent Jonathan Beale. |
Aircraft designed for low-level flying - such as the Hawk - have ejection seats which fire through the canopy, he said. | Aircraft designed for low-level flying - such as the Hawk - have ejection seats which fire through the canopy, he said. |
Chris Boatman, who lives nearby, said he heard a "massive bang". | Chris Boatman, who lives nearby, said he heard a "massive bang". |
"A few hours ago my children and I heard a massive bang that echoed across from the runway area to our house," he said. | "A few hours ago my children and I heard a massive bang that echoed across from the runway area to our house," he said. |
"Not long after that an air ambulance flew a few metres over the house." | "Not long after that an air ambulance flew a few metres over the house." |
The incident comes a few months after Red Arrows pilot Jon Egging died after his plane crashed after a display near Bournemouth Airport. | |
A post-mortem examination showed the cause of death was multiple injuries. | A post-mortem examination showed the cause of death was multiple injuries. |
Flt Lt Egging, who grew up in Southam, Warwickshire, joined the RAF in 2000 and served with IV (AC) Squadron, based at RAF Cottesmore, flying the Harrier GR9 in support of coalition forces in Afghanistan. | Flt Lt Egging, who grew up in Southam, Warwickshire, joined the RAF in 2000 and served with IV (AC) Squadron, based at RAF Cottesmore, flying the Harrier GR9 in support of coalition forces in Afghanistan. |
The Red Arrows team was formed in 1965 and have completed more than 4,300 displays in 53 countries. | The Red Arrows team was formed in 1965 and have completed more than 4,300 displays in 53 countries. |
The team completed their final display of the season in September and are currently carrying out their winter training at RAF Scampton. | The team completed their final display of the season in September and are currently carrying out their winter training at RAF Scampton. |
Are you in or near RAF Scampton? Did you see or hear the incident? Tell us what you witnessed using the form below. | Are you in or near RAF Scampton? Did you see or hear the incident? Tell us what you witnessed using the form below. |
Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7624 800 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here. | Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7624 800 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here. |
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