Red Arrows ejector seat issues known about for 40 years

 Red Arrows pilots were at risk for 40 years because of safety issues with ejector seats used in the aerobatics team’s Hawk jets, a court heard. An investigation into the death of pilot Sean Cunningham found how pilots had been put at risk from the Seventies.

Flt Lt Cunningham, 35, was thrown 300ft into the air after his ejector seat activated while he was on the ground preparing for take-off at the Arrows’ base at RAF Scampton. His parachute failed to deploy, and he fell to the ground strapped into his ejection seat, suffering fatal injuries.

Martin-baker, the ejection seat manufacturer, admitted failing to ensure the safety of non-employees in connection with the man’s death, at a hearing on January 22. The sentencing hearing at Lincoln Crown Court is to continue today.