A planned routine training session of Red Arrows RAF display team at Scampton, Lincolnshire, was brought to an unexpected and tragic end this morning.

After boarding the aircraft, one of the pilots was accidentally ejected from a front seat of one of the BAE Hawks which were lined up on the tarmac prepared for the mission. The seat crashed the canopy and flew clear off the aircraft, but sadly its parachute failed to deploy. The unfortunate pilot was brought to a local hospital but later died of his injuries.

The aviator’s name was not released to the press, although RAF officials said that family members had been informed.

The RAF confirmed the accident, but was sparse on any details. Red Arrows’ training ahs been suspended and the Military Aviation Authority will be carrying out an inquiry to determine the cause of the incident.

The BAE Hawk, which the Red Arrows have flown since 1979 and which has been a staple of the Royal Air Force since 1976, is a well-proven workhorse. There are 81 Hawk T1s still being operated by the RAF, including the Arrows.

After many years of incident-free operations, today’s sad accident is the second Red Arrows’ pilot loss during 2011. Flight Lieutenant Jon Egging, 33, was killed in an air show crash near Bournemouth Airport in Dorset in August. Only days ago, on October 31st, members of the team had been taking part in a special service held in the Lincoln Cathedral in memory of the lost colleague.

Our thoughts go today to the families of both these talented men.

The following is an official statement issued by the RAF.

Statement from Gp Capt Blake regarding the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team Incident on the 8th November 2011.

I can confirm there has been a ground incident involving one of the RAF Aerobatic Team Hawk aircraft at RAF Scampton that has resulted in the death of the pilot. The pilot was ejected from the aircraft whilst the aircraft was on the ground.

The Military Aviation Authority is in the process of initiating a full and independentService Inquiry to determine the cause of this tragic incident. The investigation will determine the facts. It would be inappropriate to speculate on the cause of the incident until that inquiry is complete.

The pilot’s next of kin have been informed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the pilot’s family and friends at this difficult time. At this stage, it is important that we allow the family some time to come to terms with this terrible news.

Thank you