Shoreham UK Airshow disaster

[Jetranger]

Got an AIRCRAFT CRASH happening now 8:00 am US time at the Shoreham Airshow ,,,,,

LIVE Photos hawker hunter Down,,,,,

https://twitter.com/airlivenet/status/635067857445986304/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

[Shadowcaster]

Just saw this on the BBC website, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-34027260 my heart goes out to everyone involved.

[pete]

Wonder if Doug (Hagar) was there. It's his local airfield and as far as I know he usually attends -- even posting images here.

[C]

Maybe the thread title could now be changed to something more constructive and a little more mature...

A very sad day. Whatever the cause the outcome was the same as almost all airshow accidents, and tragically the aeroplane ran out of height (and it will be the AAIB's job to establish why - thankfully a job made a little easier perhaps with the plethora of digital recordings, both video and still photos). The sad coincidence at Shoreham is that the display line is in line with the traffic lights and junction on the A27 - with the layout of the airfield and the surrounds there is little choice. I believe it's the only way out too, so spare a thought for all those stuck on the airfield site.

The fact is we have at least 7 dead. Hopefully this will not have major ramifications for other shows - but it could be argued there are other shows with even busier roads adjacent their sites. Let's hope this incident doesn't become the UK's Rammstein.

[G.K.]

Given the frequency of crashes at airshows and (as stated above) the display line being in line with the A27 perhaps it's time this particular airshow was knocked on the head.

Sympathies to all those involved.

[ftldave]

... perhaps it's time this particular airshow was knocked on the head.

Knocks won't change the overlooked fact that aerobatics are dangerous. History shows that, again and again. Same is true for my local Indianapolis 500 Mile Race, though safety has been greatly improved there thanks to better technology and engineering.

[C]

Given the frequency of crashes at airshows and (as stated above) the display line being in line with the A27 perhaps it's time this particular airshow was knocked on the head.

Sympathies to all those involved.

The press want to blow up as much publicity as they can. Yes, occasionally aeroplanes crash at air shows, but not that frequently these days. Several incidents quoted as "air show crashes" weren't, and safety and regulation of these displays is huge - arguably far better in the UK than anywhere else in the world. As David Learmount has said, yesterday's tragic events were equivalent to the chance of being struck by lightning. You could take no action and chances are it will never happen again (remember even when air shows were "dangerous" (ie far far less regulated), the last spectator fatality in the UK was at Farnborough in 1952.

Apply the road argument and you've probably close Duxford as an airfield, and make a number of other shows impossible.

As an aside, I hear yesterday that the Sea Vixen performed a fly past soon afterwards having been en-route for its display. At the Farnborough crash, following the deaths of John Derry, Tony Richards and all those spectators, in the immediate aftermath the late, great, Neville Duke took to the sky in his Hunter to pay tribute.

[G.K.]

With all due respects Gentlemen, your views seem rather partisan.

Danger to participants is one thing, danger to unrelated members of the public is another.

[pete]

Let's remember this is a very rare tragedy. A one of a kind really.
Tomorrow or next week or anytime, a large truck or bus could go out of control in a city center and another tragedy.
We don't know what caused this yet. From that - as with all aviation accidents, lessons will be learned. It's why flying, apart from walking, is the safest way of travel (last time I checked)

Meanwhile huge respect to all involved.

[ozzy72]

I know Doug was planning to go, I just hope he's okay.
This is a terrible and shocking tragedy. I was at Shoreham last year with the kids, and it is a wonderful airshow. I'm astonished that the pilot was pulled out of the wreckage alive (but seriously injured).
https://uk.news.yahoo.com/airshow-crash ... ml#h8QDgKT

[Fozzer]

Eagerly awaiting news from Doug!

Paul.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-sussex-34038479

[C]

With all due respects Gentlemen, your views seem rather partisan.

Danger to participants is one thing, danger to unrelated members of the public is another.

And could happen to any body. People have been killed by aeroplanes crashing on roads and populated areas in non airshow accident. People have been killed by 18 year old kids driving inappropriately, yet we haven't banned all 17-23 year olds from driving.

Your "airshow accidents are becoming more common" statement is false. The average is probably about 1 per year (in the UK) in the past 25 years- obviously where a pilot fatality is involved interest is heightened. The press are more interested as they are able to publish "juicy" video clips and photos rather than grainy old footage.

Perspective is required - thankfully something the AAIB and CAA will be able to offer, alongside plenty of evidence of good, continually improving, regulation.

[C]

Echo sentiments re Doug too. I note as of last night he hadn't been here since Thursday. Hope he's ok.

[ozzy72]

I'm meant to be meeting up with him and Roger next month, I've tried messaging him. I'll also try email. Just want to know he's okay.

[logjam]

Any incident involving aircraft crashing off-site or involving loss of life is termed a disaster. I would have thought Shoreham had a plan for any such accident. More to the point is the sympathy extended to the relatives of those killed in this tragedy. In the days to come we will no doubt see a review of Airshow safety regulations and a close review of the risk factor. The questions that will arise will no doubt centre on the suitability of this type of airshow in or near a built up area.