Pilot killed in ground incident at RAF Scampton
8 Nov 11
It is with regret that the Ministry of Defence must announce that a member of the RAF Aerobatic Team was killed in a ground incident at RAF Scampton earlier today.
Group Captain Simon Blake, the Commandant of the RAF's Central Flying School, has issued the following statement:
"It is with great regret that I can confirm there has been a ground incident involving one of the RAF Aerobatic Team's Hawk aircraft at RAF Scampton that has resulted in the death of the pilot. The pilot was ejected from the aircraft whilst the aircraft was on the ground.
"The Military Aviation Authority is in the process of initiating a full and independent Service Inquiry to determine the cause of this tragic incident. That investigation will determine the facts. It would be most inappropriate to speculate on the cause of the incident.
"The pilot's next of kin have been informed and they have asked for a period of grace before his name is released. Our thoughts and prayers are with the pilot's family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time.
"At this stage, it is important that we allow the family some time to come to terms with this dreadful and terrible news."