Saturday, December 05, 2015

Manchester Airshow called off next year following fatal crash at Shoreham Airshow: Hawker Hunter T.Mk 7, Canfield Hunter Ltd., G-BXFI



The organizers, which hosted their first event for over 20 years back in July, took the decision to call next years event off after a review of national safety procedures
    
Next year's Manchester Airshow has been called off by its organizers after a tragic plane crash at another display last summer.

The Manchester Airshow, held at City Airport, Manchester in Barton, Salford , was the first event for 20 years, and thousands flocked to see daredevil pilots and displays.

However, the event is now being called off in 2016 following a tragic crash at Shoreham Airshow in South England. The incident left 11 people dead and 16 injured, including the pilot who survived but was placed in a medically induced coma, and has led to a review of airshow regulations by the Civil Aviation Authority.

It happened when a display aircraft, a Hawker Hunter T7, crashed mid-display into a road bordering the airfield, hitting several cars and pedestrians. Restrictions were put in place in the immediate aftermath, which included a ban on vintage jets performing acrobatic displays.

Manchester Airshow said in a statement that they received a 'phenomenal response' from the Airshow, which was held on July 5.

The organizers explained that their opinion is that the venue is suitable, but safety is the primary concern, and they're waiting to see what impact any regulation changes could have on future displays.

Manchester Airshow will review any changes to the way airshows are managed, and look at holding one at a later date.

They said: "We would like to thank everyone that attended the 2015 Manchester Airshow. We received a phenomenal response from the event.

"Following the tragic accident at Shoreham Airshow in 2015, the Civil Aviation Authority are currently conducting a full review of Airshow regulations. Whilst the organizers of the Manchester Airshow believe that our venue remains suitable for an Airshow Event, safety is out utmost priority, and the potential outcomes of this review may impact upon the feasibility of organizing future airshows at City Airport.

"The team will review any new regulations that are introduced, and once these are understood, a decision will be made as to the possibility of bringing a return of the Manchester Airshow to the skies above City Airport at a later date. Due to the timing of the review, it is with regret that we will be unable to host a full Manchester Airshow in 2016.

"We would like to thank all our supporters of the Airshow."

In the wake of the crash, Blackley and Broughton MP Graham Stringer called for a “serious look at the regulations” of airshows.

A former chairman of Manchester Airport and ex-member of the Commons Transport Committee, the MP said: “I think when an event like this kills 11 people - and it’s not the first time there have been fatalities at an airshow - there should be a serious look at the regulations with a view to tightening them up.”

2015's Manchester Airshow show was attended by a capacity crowd of 15,000, who were treated to more than three hours of acrobatic displays from a wide variety of military and civilian aircraft.

A Chinook helicopter performed loops in the sky before flying over the heads of those assembled below, whilst an appearance from the two iconic World War II planes, the Hurricane and Spitfire from the Battle of Britain memorial flight, also got a great reception.

As well as the planes, there were an array of super-cars on display with organisations such as the Army, RAF and Royal British Legion setting up stalls.

Story, comments and photo gallery: http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk

AAIB Special Bulletin on Hawker Hunter T7, G-BXFI: https://www.gov.uk

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