The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Probe into Red Arrows death
Industry: Pilot died after ejector seat activated while jet was on the ground
An ejector seat manufacturer is to be prosecuted over the death of a Red Arrows pilot at RAF Scampton in 2011.
The Health and Safety Executive said it will be prosecuting Martin Baker Aircraft Ltd for an alleged breach of health and safety law.
The charges relate to the death of Flight Lieutenant Sean Cunningham at the base in Lincolnshire.
HSE's Inspector David Butter said: “We have conducted a thorough investigation and consider there is sufficient evidence and it is in the public interest to bring a prosecution.”
HSE investigated the incident following a Ministry of Defence inquiry, investigations by the civilian and military police, and technical investigations involving the Military Aviation Authority and the Military Air Accident Investigation Branch.
Flt Lt Cunningham died after his ejector seat initiated during the pre-flight checks of his Hawk XX177 jet while on the ground and stationary at the Lincolnshire airbase.
Martin Baker Aircraft Company Ltd, of Lower Road, Higher Denham, near Uxbridge will appear at Lincoln Magistrates’ Court, at a date to be confirmed, to face a section three charge under the Health and Safety at Work Act.
The alleged breach is Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, which states: “It shall be the duty of every employer to conduct his undertaking in such a way as to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that persons not in his employment who may be affected thereby are not thereby exposed to risks to their health or safety.”