Lawyers Say Heartbroken Family Hope Inquest Will Provide Answers About Their Loss

Lawyers acting on behalf of the family of a Red Arrows Pilot who died after his parachute failed to open when the ejector seat activated say they hope the inquest will provide answers about the events leading up to his death.

Flight Lieutenant Sean Cunningham died in November 2011, after being ejected from a Hawk T1 which was on the ground at RAF Scampton, Lincolnshire.

An inquest into the 35-year-old’s death will begin on the 9th of January at Lincoln Cathedral Centre and is expected to last three weeks, with Central Lincolnshire Coroner Stuart Fisher hearing from up to 40 key witnesses.

Law firm Irwin Mitchell has represented Flt. Lt Cunningham’s family in a civil claim against the Ministry of Defence.

Keith Barrett, a Partner and serious injury expert at Irwin Mitchell is representing the family.

Sean’s sister, Nicolette Cunningham, added: “Sean was an outstanding pilot who, according to his superiors, went beyond the call of duty whilst on operational tours in Iraq. He had worked tirelessly to become a pilot and was extremely proud to be a member of the armed forces and honoured to protect his country."

Read more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in RAF Air Accident Claims including Fatal Military Claims.