The inquest, in Lincoln, heard that Flt Lt Cunningham had completed ground safety checks when the ejector seat of his Hawk jet was deployed.
The main parachute did not deploy and the pilot did not become separated from his seat during the incident, the hearing was told. He landed on the ground still strapped into his seat.
An ambulance was called and Flt Lt Cunningham was taken to Lincoln County Hospital where he was confirmed dead in the A&E at 12.14pm.
A full investigation into how the ejector seat deployed is being carried out and further tests are being done, the inquest heard.
A post-mortem examination gave the cause of death as multiple injuries due to a fall from height following ejection from an aircraft. Toxicology tests were negative.
Det Supt Shaun West said Lincolnshire Police were preparing a file for the coroner to look into two critical questions:why the ejector seat activated; and why the parachute mechanism did not work.
Full article:
Red Arrows pilot 'killed when parachute failed' - Telegraph