But the overall safety record for Cadet flying over the past 10-15 years is exemplary.
I'm not sure that three aircraft lost (in 2 accidents) and 3 cadets killed (along with their 3 pilots) is exemplary....
As has been alluded to by other posters this horrendous accident came about because of the 'jobs for the boys' attitude that prevails amongst the AEFs where retired SOs can continue to indulge their hobby pretty much to the exclusion of other lesser mortals. With so many serving pilots occupying made up ground jobs at the present time there is no valid reason why the AEFs couldn't be manned by them on a semi-permanent basis in order to keep them flying pending the arrival of new aircraft types in a few years when they will be needed.