Martin Baker to be prosecuted for Red Arrows death.

[Sneaky_Nikon]

HSE’s Inspector David Butter said: "HSE has today informed Martin Baker Aircraft Ltd that it will be prosecuted for an alleged breach of health and safety law. The charges relate to the death of Flt Lt Sean Cunningham in November 2011 at RAF Scampton."

http://www.forces.tv/61953699

[smudge]

The alleged breach is Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, which states: “It shall be the duty of every employer to conduct his undertaking in such a way as to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that persons not in his employment who may be affected thereby are not thereby exposed to risks to their health or safety.”

http://press.hse.gov.uk/2016/hse-to-prosecute-manufacturing-company-following-red-arrow-pilot-death/


Sounds like a charge based on alleged negligence of design.  I assume M-B's defence will be based on the grounds of 'resonably practicable'.

[Sneaky_Nikon]

Coming on top of some of the recent rumblings about the F35 bang seats, I might be inclined to divest myself of MB stock.... If I had any.

[smudge]

M-B's representative appeared at Lincolnshire Magistrate's Court yesterday but made no plea.  The case has been referred to the country Crown Court for hearing in February:

http://thelincolnite.co.uk/2017/01/ejector-seat-firm-in-court-over-death-of-red-arrows-pilot/

[smudge]

Martin-Baker submitted a plea of 'not guilty' at the hearing and trial has been set for 22 January 2018.