Death of Red Arrows pilot (2011) – company pleads guilty

STATEMENT

Before Lincoln Crown Court, Martin Baker Aircraft Ltd today pleaded guilty to a charge under Section 3 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work Etc Act 1974. This follows the death of 35-year-old Red Arrows pilot Sean Cunningham at RAF Scampton on 8th November 2011 following an ejection from his aircraft whilst stationary on the ground during which the main parachute attached to the seat failed to deploy. Martin Baker Aircraft Ltd manufactured the ejection seat.

This prosecution has been brought by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

No sentencing date has been set, however a hearing has been arranged at Lincoln Crown Court for 12/13/14 February 2018.

A HSE spokesperson said: “HSE acknowledges the defendant’s guilty plea but will not make a further comment until after sentencing.”