Red Arrows

[David Morton]

Breaking News:
Red Arrows pilot ejects after crash


Last Updated: Tuesday, 23 March 2010, 12:49 GMT
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A Red Arrows pilot has ejected after a mid-air collision


A Red Arrows pilot was taken to hospital after ejecting from a plane during a training exercise in Crete, the Foreign Office has said.
Another member of the RAF aerobatic team landed safely in what was reportedly a mid-air collision involving two jets.



The Red Arrows




A Foreign Office spokeswoman said: "We can confirm that an incident has occurred involving the Red Arrows whilst undertaking pre-season training at Hellenic Air Force Base, Kastelli, in Crete, and one pilot ejected and has been taken to hospital and the other one landed safely."

 

[David Morton]

The pilot who sustained injury using the alternate let down (parachute approach) has a dislocated shoulder and other injuries associated with ejecting (usually MDC [miniature detonation chord] splatter as the canopy disintegrates to allow egress) A very lucky person to survive a collision.


Official release about the accident from their website:

Update from Kastelli

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‘‘We can confirm that at 1150 GMT on Tuesday 23 March two Hawk aircraft from the Royal Air Force Red Arrows Aerobatic Team collided whilst undertaking pre-season training at Hellenic Air Force Base Kastelli in Crete. The aircraft were being flown by Flt Lt Mike Ling and Flt Lt Dave Montenegro. Flt Lt Ling ejected from his aircraft sustaining a dislocated shoulder and minor injuries associated with an ejection. His aircraft was severely damaged on impact with the runway. Flt Lt Montenegro managed to land his aircraft safely with no injuries. An investigation into the cause of the incident will shortly be underway and the 2010 season training will continue as soon as possible."

 

[Randy V]

Interesting... Glad that he survived it!

Took a peek at YouTube in the thought that someone might have captured film of the incident but was not the case evidently..

There was some "post incident" footage though from another time. Seems to indicate that the Red Arrows funding is not quite as solid as it once was;
YouTube - Red Arrows accident In Jersey

 

[Damian]

Glad the everyone survived and is now O.K.

 

[Keith]

Interesting... Glad that he survived it!

Took a peek at YouTube in the thought that someone might have captured film of the incident but was not the case evidently..

There was some "post incident" footage though from another time. Seems to indicate that the Red Arrows funding is not quite as solid as it once was;
YouTube - Red Arrows accident In Jersey

Hi Randy, that was the Air Show promoter talking about his Public Liability insurance which had gone up to £20,000 from £7.5 in just 2 years. Red Arrows is funded as part of the UK Defence Budget, and whilst there have been mutterings from dark corners in Whitehall, it seems that they are safe - for now, but who knows with the economy in such dire straits?

 

[Randy V]

Thanks for that clarification Keith.. Another cup of coffee is in order for yours truly..

I know that there was talk of limiting appearances of the Thunderbirds and Blue Angels here as well..