I witnessed the Red Arrows crash at Akrotiri in March 1984. Though we lost sight of the aircraft behind the tower momentarily, it impacted the ground causing damage to the seat, amongst other things. As the aircraft came back into our view we saw the parachute deploy just prior to the second impact and fireball. Believe the rocket pack didn't fire and the pilot was dragged backwards out of the aircraft by the parachute deploying into the airstream. Looking at the wreckage afterwards I dont believe the pilot would have survived had he stayed with the aircraft.
http://www.ejection-history.org.uk/A...RED_ARROWS.htm