Ejector seat manufacturer to be prosecuted after Red Arrows pilot death

An ejector seat manufacturer is to prosecuted over the death of a Red Arrows pilot from Binley near Coventry at RAF Scampton in 2011.

The Health and Safety Executive said it will be prosecuting Martin BakerAircraft Ltd for an alleged breach of health and safety law.

Flight Lieutenant Sean Cunningham died after his ejector seat initiated during the pre-flight checks of his aircraft, while stationary at the base.

HSE's Inspector David Butter said: "We have conducted a thorough investigation and consider there is sufficient evidence and it is in the public interest to bring a prosecution."

In 2014, a coroner criticised the manufacturer for failing to warn the RAF of the ejector seat defects which led to the death of the Red Arrows pilot.

Martin Baker Aircraft Company Ltd will appear at Lincoln Magistrates' Court, at a date to be confirmed.