RAF
Ejector Seat Manufacturer To Be Prosecuted Over Pilot Death
The manufacturer of an ejector seat will be prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) following the death of a Red Arrows pilot.
Flt Lt Sean Cunningham was fatally injured when he ejected from the cockpit of the Hawk T1 while on the ground at RAF Scampton in 2011.
The 35-year-old was an experienced pilot with the display team.
He had been doing pre-flight safety checks at RAF Scampton when his ejector seat fired him up to 300 feet in the air.
HSE’s Inspector David Butter said: "HSE has today informed Martin Baker Aircraft Ltd that it will be prosecuted for an alleged breach of health and safety law. The charges relate to the death of Flt Lt Sean Cunningham in November 2011 at RAF Scampton.
"We have conducted a thorough investigation and consider there is sufficient evidence and it is in the public interest to bring a prosecution."
Cover Image: Flt Lt Sean Cunningham
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