Is this staffing level shortage indicative of the RAF squadron strength as a whole?
It was in 1977, which was the main reason I elected to leave at the end of my first engagement. I can't imagine that the situation has improved in the meantime. One of the Royal Air Force's principle weaknesses was a strong "press-on-regardless" culture - it's tough but we can hack it!
As a Continuing Airworthiness specialist I make two observations:
1. The cause of the ejection is difficult to determine. I do recall the Harrier that flew on over the sea, perfectly trimmed, until it ran out of fuel. The seat and pilot were missing - unintentional ejection?
2. The cause of death in this accident is perfectly clear - once activated, the ejection seat failed to operate as designed.
How was the seat accidentally activated and why did it then fail to function properly? The BoI, when it takes place, should focus firmly on those two points. Self medication, mobile phones and other such distractions have nothing to do with the defect in that seat.