Gnat crash at oulton park

[AlexanderClover]

Clearly people are getting the Red Arrows confused for the Gnat Display Team but the last thing I heard was that a Gnat Display Team jet that went down and not one from the Red Arrows.


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[Pete_uk]

First pictures here

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/ ... rk-9771448

[Rich H]

Fingers crossed - hope he managed to eject safely

[Richard B]

Sad news indeed, just seen a clip of video of of it going in. Just hoping that its missed the camping fields and car parks.
no ejection spotted, sad news indeed.

[Matt]

From the video on the Sky News site it doesn't look good. Finger crossed that the pilot got out

[TankBuster]

I feel sick reading these reports. I only filmed the Gnats at North Weald a few weeks ago .

Gutted, but my thoughts go out to those involved.

TankBuster

[Rich H]

Emergency services confirm pilot ejected, no other information given. (ITV News)

Fingers crossed......

[welshandy]

BBC report says one of aircraft was a ex red arrows hawk?????
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-ma ... r-33748256

Also saying no ejection or parachute seen

[Nighthawke]

Nothing in the BBC report says "red", "arrow" or "hawk".

However regardless of that I just hope for the best...

[stickshaker]

It did - but was updated within about 10 minutes, probably after a deluge of emails.

[venom]

Yep stated not a red arrow aircraft

Very sad
But these pilots know these are vintage aircraft

[markymash]

The Reds themselves are on their summer break and have stated it is NOT one of them. From Facebook.

[TankBuster]

Sky news live reporting that the pilot sadly never made it out.
Absolutely saddened by this.

Thoughts go to the families. RIP

TB

[Richard B]

Sad news indeed, Rip.

[tracybray]

indeed sad day RIP

[Ian in Leeds]

Very sad indeed RIP and thanks for thrilling crowds everywhere with your displays.

Ian

[Rich H]

Official statement from Gnats Display Team :

The Heritage Aircraft Trust, operator of the Gnat Display Team is very sad to announce the loss of one of its display pilots, Kevin Whyman, at an airshow for CarFest at Oulton Park today.
Heritage Aircraft Trust will be working with the Civil Aviation Authority and the Air Accidents Investigation Board to determine the cause of the accident.
Kevin was a Royal Air Force trained fast jet pilot whose enthusiasm for flying the Folland Gnat was infectious. He will be greatly missed by his family, the Team and many friends.
Kevin leaves a wife and young daughter. Please respect the privacy of family members and of the Team at this most difficult time.

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RIP Kev, you were a real gentleman and top bloke

[Tiger Tim]

Blue skies and fair winds. RIP.

[Blue Diamond]

Sometimes we can be quite blasé about flying displays but this tragic event brings it home just what risks pilots take for our enjoyment.
RIP and blue skies.

[The Phantom]

Very sad news