Shoreham Airshow Crash One Year On
As the anniversary of the Shoreham Airshow disaster which killed 11 people approaches, the victims of the incident are still awaiting answers as to the chain of events which caused the crash.
A Hawker Hunter T7 aircraft involved in an air show in Shoreham crashed into the westbound carriageway of the A27 after a failed manoeuvre on 22 August 2015 killing 11 members of the public and leaving the pilot with serious injuries.
Specialist aviation lawyers at Irwin Mitchell are representing 11 clients including people injured in the crash, those who witnessed family members killed and relatives of two of the deceased.
Expert Opinion
“The tragedy at last year's Shoreham Airshow will live long in the memories of those who suffered injury and those who lost family and friends. Sadly, some of those affected may never fully recover from what happened.
“Those who have been left injured or who lost loved ones in the incident rightly want to understand exactly why this dreadful incident occurred. There are several complex investigations being undertaken including those by the aviation authorities, the coroner and the police.
“Although the Civil Aviation Authority has already announced improvements to safety standards for future UK airshows, it is a matter of deep regret that it has taken the terrible loss of life at Shoreham before these recommendations were made. In addition, the on-going investigations may identify further lessons which need to be learned.” Clive Garner - Consultant
Inquest Update
The first pre-inquest review was held in March 2016.
A second pre-inquest review is due to be held on 19th September.
The full inquest is likely to be held in 2017.
AAIB Investigation
A Special Bulletin report into the crash released by the Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) in March 2016 revealed that the organisers of the air show were not aware of the pilot’s display routine and made 14 recommendations to improve the safety of airshows in future.
A final report from the AAIB is expected to be published in Autumn 2016 (subject to criminal charges being brought).
Irwin Mitchell represents and is advising the families of people who were tragically killed as well as people who were injured in the Shoreham air crash. If you would like to speak in confidence to an expert regarding this accident, or any other aviation incident you were involved in, see our Shoreham Air Accident page for more information or alternatively our Air Accident Claims page.