Since childhood, a Red Arrows pilot who tragically lost his life after being ejected from his aircraft had aspired to fly RAF fast jets, according to his family.
Flight Lieutenant Sean Cunningham, 34, an Iraq War veteran, died during an incident on the runway at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire, UK.
In response to the tragedy, the RAF has halted all non-essential flights involving aircraft that are equipped with ejector seats of the same model.
The flight lieutenant’s passing, occurring just ten weeks after the death of another Red Arrows pilot at an air show in Bournemouth, has once again rocked the renowned aerobatics team.
It is believed that he was taxiing on the runway when the ejector seat of his Hawk T1 jet unexpectedly engaged.
The see-through canopy above the pilot is designed to detach moments prior and shatter due to an explosive cord embedded within it.
However, there are fears it may have malfunctioned, resulting in the pilot colliding with it as he was ejected alongside the seat.
Residents near RAF Scampton, the Red Arrows’ base, recounted how the horrifying impact around 11 am resembled an explosion.
Chris Boatman shared: “My children and I heard a massive bang that echoed from the runway to our house. Shortly afterward, the air ambulance flew over.”
The pilot, critically injured and having joined the RAF 11 years ago, was transported to Lincoln County Hospital located five miles away but succumbed to head injuries.
Group Captain Simon Blake, commandant of the RAF’s Central Flying School, confirmed that a thorough investigation was being initiated: “The pilot was ejected while the aircraft was on the ground.”
He also expressed, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the pilot’s family and friends.”
