Saw this and thought of you lot! – Damages for crash pilot's family

Damages for crash pilot’s family

The family of a Royal Navy pilot who died when his plane crashed into a hillside in Somerset has been awarded £320,000 in damages.
Lieutenant Commander Michael Auckland, 32, was killed with his crew member during a low-level sortie in February 1996.

He was flying a plane with instruments he was not used to, in which he had not had sufficient flying time and in unsuitable weather for the sortie, according to his family’s counsel.

He leaves a widow, Lynne, 40, and a seven-year-old son, Charles.

T4 Harrier

Mr Justice Goldring at the High Court in London told Mrs Auckland: “I simply wish you well. I know it has been a very difficult time.”

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) agreed to settle the case on the basis of 50/50 liability.

But it argued that the officer should have aborted his mission at an earlier stage, having appreciated the risks.

A spokesperson added that the MoD was pleased that the parties had been able to reach an amicable settlement.

Lieutenant Commander Auckland, who was with the 899 Naval Air Squadron Operational Evaluation Unit based at Yeovilton, was flying a T4 Harrier at the time of the accident.