777cpt 18 Posted March 24, 2010 Share Posted March 24, 2010 A Red Arrows pilot has been taken to hospital after a mid-air crash between two display planes during a training exercise in Crete. Flt Lt Mike Ling ejected from the aircraft following the collision over Hellenic Air Force Base in Kastelli during a pre-season exercise. The second pilot Flt Lt Dave Montenegro from the RAF team, based at RAF Scampton, Lincolnshire, landed safely. The planes were practising a manoeuvre when they collided at 1150 GMT. The injured pilot, who ejected himself from the plane before it crash-landed on the runway of the base, has a dislocated arm and minor abrasions. The runway was temporarily closed while the aircraft was removed. The RAF said an investigation into the cause of the crash would be carried out and 2010 season training will continue as soon as possible. A spokesman said: "We can confirm that an incident has occurred involving the Red Arrows whilst undertaking pre-season training at Hellenic Air Force Base Kastelli in Crete. A service inquiry will be convened to identify the cause of the crash. The Red Arrows team arrived on the Greek island on Sunday for the first stage of Exercise Springhawk. Ten Hawks and a C130 Hercules left Lincolnshire on Saturday and travelled to Crete via France and Italy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robert S 75 Posted March 25, 2010 Share Posted March 25, 2010 That certainly could have ended much worse. Glad there were no fatalities, of both pilots and on the ground! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T.A.S. 0 Posted March 25, 2010 Share Posted March 25, 2010 That certainly could have ended much worse. Glad there were no fatalities, of both pilots and on the ground! Roger That! There's a risk for that kind of work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest M31 Posted March 26, 2010 Share Posted March 26, 2010 A Red Arrows pilot has been taken to hospital after a mid-air crash between two display planes during a training exercise in Crete. Flt Lt Mike Ling ejected from the aircraft following the collision over Hellenic Air Force Base in Kastelli during a pre-season exercise. The second pilot Flt Lt Dave Montenegro from the RAF team, based at RAF Scampton, Lincolnshire, landed safely. The planes were practising a manoeuvre when they collided at 1150 GMT. The injured pilot, who ejected himself from the plane before it crash-landed on the runway of the base, has a dislocated arm and minor abrasions. The runway was temporarily closed while the aircraft was removed. The RAF said an investigation into the cause of the crash would be carried out and 2010 season training will continue as soon as possible. A spokesman said: "We can confirm that an incident has occurred involving the Red Arrows whilst undertaking pre-season training at Hellenic Air Force Base Kastelli in Crete. A service inquiry will be convened to identify the cause of the crash. The Red Arrows team arrived on the Greek island on Sunday for the first stage of Exercise Springhawk. Ten Hawks and a C130 Hercules left Lincolnshire on Saturday and travelled to Crete via France and Italy. When you see the damage to the Red Arrows Hawk that landed, to the whole tailplain and rudder, also one of the elevators, its amazing one aircraft survived at all (obviously I'm glad all aircrew survived) It must have been just a glancing strike ... a mistake for sure, but shows how close these guys do go and the dangers in this type of sport and sponserhip of the RAF ... in years to come there will be no Red Arrows, or BoB Memorial flights with the Lancaster, Spitfire and Hurricane, go see them and any air show while you can folks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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