Yahoo News Shoreham airshow pilot cleared of manslaughter over crash that left 11 people dead
A pilot cleared of manslaughter after crashing his plane during the Shoreham Airshow, killing 11 men, has said he is “truly sorry for the part I played in their deaths”.
Andrew Hill, of Sandon, Buntingford, Hertfordshire was found not guilty of 11 counts of manslaughter following a at the Old Bailey
The 54-year-old was flying a Hawker Hunter jet at the show in August 2015 when it exploded into a fireball as he attempted a loop.
He survived after being thrown clear from the burning wreckage, but the crash left 11 people dead and others with terrible burns.
Speaking outside the Old Bailey following the verdict, Mr Hill read out the names of the 11 men who died in the crash and said: “I’m truly sorry for the part I played in their deaths.”
The prosecution had said the former RAF and British Airways pilot had been flying too low and slow as he attempted the stunt.
Tom Kark QC alleged he had at times a “cavalier” attitude to safety and a history of taking risks, playing “fast and loose” with the rules in the past.
But Mr Hill claimed he blacked out in the air, experiencing “cognitive impairment” brought on by hypoxia possibly due to the effects of G-force.
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Mr Justice Edis praised the families of the victims for the “very dignified way” they conducted themselves throughout the trial.
In a statement issued via Sussex Police, Sue and Phil Grimstone, whose son Matthew died in the crash, said: “Obviously we are devastated the jury have reached this verdict.
“There seems to be no justice for our son Matthew and all 11 men who died in such tragic circumstances.
“We were always told by the police that to prove guilty due to “gross negligence” the bar was set very high. Despite having compelling evidence from the cockpit footage and expert witnesses, it was not enough.”
They added: “Why are we allowing any form of aerobatics to be performed when there is now doubt concerning any pilot’s ability to avoid becoming cognitively impaired from the normal G forces that will be experienced during an aerobatic display?
“Matthew had no interest in air shows, he could not have cared less. Knowing he died because an aircraft was being flown for fun, for the entertainment of others makes it even harder to bear.
“It has to be remembered that this is a leisure industry, it is not a necessity.”
