East Worthing & Shoreham MP, Tim Loughton, has welcomed the latest interim report from the AAIB into the circumstances around the air crash at the Shoreham Air Show on 22 August 2015. The report specifically looks into the nature and condition of the aircraft rather than the actual causes of the crash.
The report makes 7 safety recommendations for future displays involving ex-military aircraft. A further report detailing the likely causes of the crash itself is expected in the spring of 2016.
Tim commented:
“There is still a long way to go before we find out exactly what led to the crash on that fateful day.
“The details published today make recommendations about how safety can be improved in the future, particularly in making sure that appropriate maintenance is up to date and relevant data is fully shared with those flying and servicing the aircraft.
“Given the age of the Hawker Hunter which crashed and many other ex-military planes, especially those used in the over 300 civilian air shows around the UK each year, it is important that safety considerations are absolutely paramount and more is done to protect people on the ground especially. This will help to build a full picture of what happened at Shoreham and explain to relatives of the victims exactly what caused this tragic accident. Until then it would not be helpful to speculate further whilst this important and painstaking work carries on.
“Our thoughts continue to be with the families and friends of the victims, many of whom returned to the Old Toll Bridge in Shoreham on Sunday for a special pre-Christmas private ceremony conducted by Reverend Ann Waizeneker.”