It is a truism that there is a HUGE difference between a fully authorised and BRIEFED low level pass and the ad hoc manoeuvres which have always, and will always, be part of the aviation scene. Those who carry out the latter are, at best, lax in their approach to their profession and, at worst, criminally negligent.
Yes, it is exciting to watch and, from experience, an adrenaline rush producer. However, having also had to recover the personal effects of my dead predecessor from the aircraft wreckage, one's opinion as to the wisdom, or otherwise, becomes modified.
The particular incident was the product of one of BEagle's 'well trained military pilots' operating in what was, for him, the natural low-level environment. He got it badly wrong and killed himself - no big problem - but he took my mate with him - not forgiveable. Our boss at the time made the definitive summing-up....."you knew what this person was doing (the particular manoeuvre was one of his regular 'party-pieces') BUT NONE OF YOU DID ANYTHING"
As they say oop North - "think on't"
