The tragic death of a Red Arrows pilot at the weekend has cast doubt over the appearance of the much-loved team at this year’s Leuchars Air Show.
Aerial acrobatics by the planes are traditionally among the top attractions at the event but the tragic death of Red Arrows pilot John Egging on Saturday has led to the nine-plane fleet being grounded.
Flight Lieutenant Egging died after his Red Four plane plunged to the ground during a display at Bournemouth Air Festival. RAF Leuchars said it was too early to say whether or not the Red Arrows would appear on September 10 as planned.
“They are grounded while there is an investigation into what happened at the weekend,” a spokeswoman told The Courier. “It is impossible to say whether or not they will attend at this stage.”
A statement on the Red Arrows website said, “A full service inquiry into the details of the crash has been initiated.”
No firm timescale for the conclusion of the investigation by the military air accident team has been established.
It is understood a mayday call was issued seconds before Flt Lt Egging’s craft appeared to spiral out of control. Shocked bystanders described seeing the plane bouncing “three or four times” after it careered into a field. They said the pilot appeared to be steering it away from houses and towards a river.
Since the team was officially formed in 1965, the Red Arrows have completed over 4000 displays in 53 countries. Just last year around 40,000 watched as the team completed what was described as a “spectacular, faultless display” at the Leuchars show.
With both service personnel and local residents still reeling from news that RAF Leuchars is to close to be replaced by an army barracks hopes were high that this year’s show would be bigger and better than ever.
One enthusiast, who has been to more than 20 shows at Leuchars, said: “There is lots of speculation that this could be the last ever air show at Leuchars and it would be a real shame if the Red Arrows are not there.”