AAIB Shoreham report - statement from the CAA

The CAA has issued the following statement after release of the AAIB final report into the Shoreham airshow accident in 2015.

Dame Deirdre Hutton, Chair of the Civil Aviation Authority, said:

“The thoughts of those at the CAA remain with the families and friends of everyone affected by this terrible tragedy at this difficult time.

“This was the first fatal air show accident involving members of the public in the UK for over 60 years.  It is therefore essential that everyone involved in the delivery and oversight of air displays now plays their part in learning all the lessons that we can. 

“The AAIB has conducted a wide-ranging investigation over 18 months and has produced an extensive final report which clearly identifies the cause of this accident as the aircraft flying too slowly and not reaching the height necessary to complete the loop.

“The CAA acted immediately following the accident in August 2015 carrying out a comprehensive review of civil air show safety and implementing a number of safety enhancements for the 2016 season.  An independent, external panel of experts oversaw the review to ensure that all UK civil air displays operate at the very highest safety standards.

“During its investigation, the AAIB published 21 recommendations for the CAA, all of which we have acted on.  We are continuing with our programme of introducing further safety enhancements for this year’s flying display season.    The final AAIB report contains a further 10 recommendations for the CAA, all of which we will action as a priority.

“We are fully committed to ensuring that all air shows take place safely, for the six million people who attend them each year in the UK and for the communities in which they take place.”