Inquest Is Another Opportunity To Learn Lessons From Shoreham Airshow Tragedy

Families affected by the Shoreham Air Show crash almost two years ago have told a Pre-Inquest Review Hearing that they want the full Inquest hearing next year to be a full, frank and fearless investigation into exactly how their loved ones died so that lessons can be learned.

When the latest AAIB crash report was released earlier this year,  the families were disappointed that safety recommendations to reduce the risk of a repeat incident had not yet been fully implemented and they were still left with more questions as to a full explanation surrounding the cause of the crash.

Irwin Mitchell’s specialist aviation team represents 14 victims affected by the crash including those who lost loved ones and others who were severely injured following the incident. Expert lawyers say the full Inquest is an important opportunity to learn lessons to improve air show safety following a catalogue of errors at Shoreham.

The Pre-Inquest Review was held at West Sussex Coroner’s Court by West Sussex Coroner Penelope Schofield.

The Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) report published in March this year revealed that there were a series of factors which contributed to the crash including failures on the part of the organisers to fully comply with CAA guidance in relation to the organising and running of air shows, insufficient account taken of lessons learnt from previous air shows together with a failure to maintain the aircraft in accordance with CAA guidelines.

Expert Opinion

“We are approaching the 2nd anniversary of the Shoreham Air Show crash and the families affected have shown tremendous patience in waiting for answers as they deal with their loss. The AAIB report gave them some information on possible causes of the crash but they now want the Inquest to be a full, frank and fearless investigation into what happened on that fateful day so that lessons can be learned to prevent a similar incident.

“The AAIB has previously made 32 recommendations across a number of reports but there are concerns among those affected as to the length of time it is taking to implement these.

“From what we know already, the Shoreham Air Show tragedy appears to have been a disaster waiting to happen, and one that should have been avoided.

“The Inquest is an important opportunity to reassure the public that lessons have been learned to reduce the risk of a similar crash happening again and improve the safety of air shows in future.

“Nothing can turn back the clock and many of those affected may never fully recover from the trauma of what happened. We are working with our clients to ensure that they secure the best possible support to maximise their recovery and rehabilitation.” Rebecca Smith - Other

Eleven members of the public were killed and the pilot was left with serious injuries on 22nd August 2015 when a Hawker Hunter T7 aircraft flying as part of the Shoreham Air Show crashed into the westbound carriageway of the A27.  The full Inquest into the deaths at the show is likely to take place next year.

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