Air Show incident/accidents

[cessnapete]

Just an observation, but the recent CAA knee jerk Air Display regulations seem to have had no effect other than to damage the display scenarios, or cause cancellations completly.
Recent incidents/accidents seem to be more effected by the retirement of experienced ex Military or aerobatic background pilots, ( some in reaction to the new Rules) being replaced by wealthy individuals and their aircraft, without the previous mentioned depth of experience.

[Flying Binghi]

Originally Posted by cessnapete

Just an observation, but the recent CAA knee jerk Air Display regulations seem to have had no effect other than to damage the display scenarios, or cause cancellations completly.
Recent incidents/accidents seem to be more effected by the retirement of experienced ex Military or aerobatic background pilots, ( some in reaction to the new Rules) being replaced by wealthy individuals and their aircraft, without the previous mentioned depth of experience.

I seem to recall a Yak 52 that were crewed by two highly experienced RAF types got taxied into a hedge...





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[mustafagander]

It seems to me that most airshow incidents come from doing something "on the spur of the moment" rather than stick to the planned and briefed display.
I don't think the problems stem from a lack of experience of the pilots.

[treadigraph]

To which accidents/incidents are you referring to cessnapete?

So far as I am aware there have been five incidents in the UK this year: three engine failures (Lysander undamaged, Twister w/o and P-51D major damage now undergoing rebuild); a shattered canopy and damage to the tailplane (P-51B awaiting repair); and a mid-air (2 x P-51D some repairs needed).

[B737C525]

Perhaps someone can put that in context, by guesstimating the tiny number of hours flown by these aircraft each year. In terms of rate per flying hour, this looks indefensible.

[Pilot DAR]

I don't think the problems stem from a lack of experience of the pilots.

Even on the same type, a pilot experienced in one type of operation, may not be so experienced in the demands of a different operating environment.

(EG: Two very experienced civil pilots may lack formation flying experience)

[treadigraph]

Originally Posted by B737C525

Perhaps someone can put that in context, by guesstimating the tiny number of hours flown by these aircraft each year. In terms of rate per flying hour, this looks indefensible.

Correction - Gladiator had the engine failure not the Lysander - Mercury engine, but...

It has been a very safe season in the UK; no one flew into the ground, no one died, one person injured in the Twister crash (hopefully not seriously), and only the Twister is potentially a write off.

The P-51D mid-air (during a formation join up at low level) could have been a horror and obviously is of concern - but I hope they shook hands afterwards.

[megan]

Probably thinking of the Canadian Lysander treadigraph which had an engine failure.

[The Old Fat One]

A while back, in the space of a few weeks, two vintage military jets were flown into the deck by their pilots. There were airworthiness issues, pilot currency/competency issues, planning issues (at both the individual and organisational levels) and of course, multiple casualties resulting from one of these.

Somewhat random with the use of the words "knee jerk" wouldn't you agree?

[Deltasierra010]

Anything that flies can crash, it matters not why that happens, the pilots know the risks and it has happened to a Red Arrows Hawk, an Italian Typhoon flew into the sea in September. These were properly maintained military planes with experienced display pilots, it's a dangerous game but if I was clever enough I would be flying with them.
What does matter is harming Joe Public, at Shoreham the chances of an aircraft crashing onto a crowded road was remote, when a pilot looses control we are only protected by random separation. Could it happen at Fairford, yes, it's remote and highly unlikely but to be totally risk free there would be no air show.