Red Arrows incident

Breaking news on the BBC is that the Reds are clear to resume flying once more.

The entire Red Arrows Team would like to extend their sincere thanks for all the public messages of support and condolence that have been received at this difficult time.

The Team Manager, Squadron Leader Liz Parker, said: “We have been inundated once again with messages of support from all over the world. It is deeply moving to receive such kind thoughts as well as the cards and flowers.”

The book of condolence at RAF Scampton has been closed today and all the messages will be given to Flt Lt Cunningham’s family. The messages of condolence are greatly appreciated but we regret that it will not be possible to respond to every message due to the sheer numbers we have received.

Flt Lt Sean Cunningham’s funeral takes place tomorrow, Thursday 1 Dec 2011, at 1300 in Coventry Cathedral.

http://www.raf.mod.uk/reds/teamnews/index.cfm?storyid=5A190AB1-5056-A318-A8BD73AF6CDE81A1

http://www.raf.mod.uk/reds/teamnews/index.cfm?storyid=EF88A977-5056-A318-A805CF6A05D5ECC0

A great many people work in and around ejection seats as a part of their daily work . From the start there has been a need for the uncertainty to be removed quickly -the MB press release helps in that.

Was that statement released today ?

I really hope not as that would be hugely insensitive timing for Seans friends and family who will be preparing for his funeral tomorrow.

I do see that there is no date on the press release so I hope I am wrong in my observation.

Re the MB press release!
Not in the slightest bit surprised!
Resmoroh

Press release from Martin-Baker

RAF Red Arrows Incident on 8th November 2011

On 8th November, there was a fatal accident involving the Red Arrows Hawk aircraft XX177 following the ejection of a Mk10B seat.

We have had the opportunity to examine the seat and, while not wishing to pre-empt the outcome of the investigation currently underway, are satisfied that neither a mechanical nor a design fault were to blame for the fatality.

We welcome the opportunity to assist the Lincolnshire Police and the Military Air Accident Investigation Board in identifying the causes of this tragic accident

In the meantime, our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Flight Lieutenant Sean Cunningham who lost his life in this accident.

From

http://www.martin-baker.com/getdoc/613a0e91-0e5b-4f15-84aa-8ebff5f43a5e/Press-Releases.aspx

Last nights BBC Look East news reported that the Marham Tornados have been cleared to resume operations.
Colin.

Such topics stir up strong emotions, and it is often the case we wont agree with all of the other posters.

Please, if there is something here you dont agree with, and have an issue with, report it to a moderator, and we will deal with it. If you need to comment directly, in a strong manner, then please do it via PM.

Bruce

Noted over on PPRuNe

http://www.pprune.org/military-aircrew/468525-another-red-arrows-mishap-merged-12.html#post6812526

It has been determined that the freedom of movement of drogue shackles on ejection seats fitted with scissor shackles may have become restricted.

Failure to ensure that there is freedom of movement between the drogue shackle and scissor shackle may prevent the withdrawal of the main parachute during the ejection sequence.

From

http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/33/20111117MPD2011008E.pdf

http://www.caa.co.uk/application.aspx?catid=33&pagetype=65&appid=11&mode=detail&id=4766