Red Arrows crash: First picture of pilot who miraculously survived as RAF confirm death of crewmate
This is the first picture of the Red Arrows pilot who miraculously survived the jet crash that killed his crewmate.
David Stark managed to eject from the £30 million jet before it plunged to the ground and exploded at RAF Valley in Anglesey, Wales.
The 35-year-old, who only joined the Red Arrows in November, managed to land safely a few hundred yards from the crash site and is currently receiving medical care.
The engineer killed in the crash, who has so far not been named, was based at RAF Scampton with Mr Stark, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed.
Group captain Nick Tucker-Lowe said in a statement: ‘It’s with great sadness that the RAF can confirm the death of an engineer from the RAF aerobatics team The Red Arrows in a tragic accident today.
‘The engineer’s family have been informed and have asked for a 24-hour period of grace before further details are released.
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‘The pilot of the aircraft survived the incident and is currently receiving medical care.’
It is understood the Red Arrows aircrew had been at RAF Valley for routine Hawk simulator training – something that takes place once a month.
They had just taken off from the base and were on their way back to RAF Scampton, where the aerobatic team are based, when the incident happened.
It is suspected that a bird hit the jet before it crashed.
Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson sent his ‘thoughts and prayers’ to ‘the family, friends and colleagues of the RAF engineer at this incredibly sad time’.
Air Chief Marshal, Sir Stephen Hillier, Head of the RAF said: ‘This tragic accident is a reminder that we must never take for granted the risks our people take in the service of our country.
‘My deepest thoughts are with the friends and family of those involved at this terrible time.’
MOD statement on incident at RAF Valley pic.twitter.com/51MV1VGlG2
— Ministry of Defence (@DefenceHQ) March 20, 2018
Statement from Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson on incident at RAF Valley pic.twitter.com/xaZQdSoMKs
— Ministry of Defence (@DefenceHQ) March 20, 2018
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch will now begin a full investigation into what caused the accident, North Wales Police said.
Some 1,500 service personnel, civil servants and contractors work at RAF Valley on Anglesey, which is also home to the military’s search-and-rescue, post-crash team.
It is home to the No 4 Flying Training School which is ‘responsible for training the UK’s next generation of world-class fighter pilots’, according to its website.