Andy Hill, the pilot whose Hawker Hunter aircraft crashed during a display at the Shoreham Air Show, is to be charged with manslaughter and endangering an aircraft according to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
The crash, which killed 11 people, happened when Mr Hill’s Hawker Hunter was unable to recover from a manoeuvre and impacted the A27 between Shoreham and Worthing, an area where crowds of people were watching the airshow. The crash also involved a number of vehicles on the A27.
Police and representatives of the CPS met with victims families this evening and confirmed that Mr Hill will be charged with 11 counts of manslaughter and 1 count of endangering an aircraft.
A report from the Air Accident Investigations Branch found no fault with the aircraft but that the aircraft did not reach sufficient height and speed to complete the manoeuvre.
As a result of the report, Hunters have recently been cleared to fly once again.
CPS specialist prosecutor, Simon Ringrose said: “Following a careful review of the evidence I have found there is sufficient evidence to charge Mr Hill with the manslaughter by gross negligence of the eleven men who died.
“I have also authorised a further charge against Mr Hill of endangering an aircraft, contrary to Article 127 of the Air Navigation Order 2009.”
Mr Hill (53), will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on April 19.
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