RAF probe training crash deaths

The crew were flying a Canberra-type aircraft

Accident investigators are trying to determine how two RAF pilots died and another was injured while practising emergency landings at a fighter base.

The accident happened on the runway at RAF Marham, Norfolk, at about 2230 BST on Thursday during landing.

An RAF board of inquiry has been convened and investigators will examine the damaged aircraft, say senior officers at RAF Marham.

Investigators will also speak to the navigator, who survived the crash.

The injured crew member is being treated in hospital after being hurt when ejecting from the aircraft.

Base officials say the two pilots who died were also thought to have attempted to eject.

The jet, a 50-year-old Canberra T4, was involved in "touch and go" training, where the crew practise landing and take-off.

'State of shock'

Squadron Leader Mike Lence, deputy commander of 39 Squadron - the Canberra squadron - paid tribute to the men who lost their lives.

He said: "The squadron is in a state of shock over the loss of two valued men. I knew them personally and they will be sorely missed. Our thoughts at the moment are with their families."

The squadron leader added that the three men involved in the accident were all experienced aircrew.

"They were practising a specific technique - and one pilot would have been acting as an invigilator or instructor", he said.

"I want to stress that these were all experienced aircrew. They were not training in the sense that they were novices. They were practising a specific technique."

Unfortunately it is a sad fact of our business that these things can sometimes happen Group Captain Bob McAlpine, RAF Marham station commander Canberra fact file

None of the airmen involved in the accident have yet been named by the RAF.

The Canberra, a reconnaissance aircraft originally designed as a bomber, was due to be taken out of service in March 2006.

It is one of the oldest aircraft still used by the RAF.

The Canberra T4, which was fitted with dual controls, is an aircraft that was specifically designed for training purposes.

The station commander, Group Captain Bob McAlpine, said emergency landing techniques are regularly practised by crews in all types of aircraft.

"You can imagine the effect this has had on the squadron and on the base," he added.

Aircraft examination

"People are extremely upset. But unfortunately it is a sad fact of our business that these things can sometimes happen.

"We do all we can to minimise the possibility of things going wrong, but we have got to be realistic. We are a front line fighting force and sadly, accidents do happen."

Officials said one of the dead pilots would have been acting as an instructor/invigilator while the other practised a specific emergency landing technique.

Flying from the base has been abandoned until investigators finish examining the aircraft, which is lying on the main runway, according to the station commander.

Investigators are expected to alert the RAF within 48 hours if they uncover any evidence to suggest fundamental flaws with the mechanics of the aircraft, or with flying procedures.

The RAF have no other Canberra bases.