Pilot in Shoreham air crash where 11 died has flying licences revoked

Andrew Hill, 60, has appealed a bid to revoke his private and commercial permits

The pilot at the centre of the tragic Shoreham Airshow disaster, which claimed the lives of 11 men, has been denied the return of his flying licence following an unsuccessful appeal against aviation officials.

Andrew Hill, aged 60, challenged the decision to revoke his private and commercial licences during a two-day hearing before a Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) panel in London. However, the CAA confirmed in a statement released on Thursday that it was appropriate to uphold the revocation.

A spokesperson for the CAA said: "Following a public hearing on a challenge by Andrew Hill to a UK Civil Aviation Authority proposal to revoke his pilot and flight radio telephony licences, the Civil Aviation Authority's decision panel has confirmed that proposal and Andrew Hill's licences will now formally be revoked."

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They added: "Following the crash at the Shoreham Airshow in 2015 in which 11 people died, Andrew Hill's licences were suspended, and he has been unable to fly in the UK since then."

The authority also expressed their ongoing sympathies: "The thoughts of everyone at the UK Civil Aviation Authority remain with those affected by the tragic crash."

The Shoreham Airshow disaster happened on August 22, 2015, when Mr Hills aircraft, a Hawker Hunter, crashed onto the A27 road while performing an aerobatic manoeuvre. Following the event, the CAA promptly suspended his licence.

He faced trial for 11 counts of manslaughter by gross negligence, but Mr Hill was acquitted of all charges in March 2019.

In December 2022, West Sussex senior coroner Penelope Schofield determined during an inquest that "poor" piloting and significant mistakes led to the unlawful killing of 11 men.

Giovanna Chirico, who lost her partner Mark Trussler in the tragedy, expressed relief to PA news agency, saying: "I'm glad he was refused getting his flying licence back." She accused him of showing "no remorse" and commented on the ongoing struggle of the families, remarking, "He has continued living his life while we have all continued to this day struggling with the loss of our loved ones."

She added, "This outcome was what we were all hoping for and at least we know for sure now he can't put any other family through what he's put us 11 families through."

East Worthing and Shoreham MP Tom Rutland also shared his views, asserting that locals in Shoreham will never forget the catastrophic event. He mentioned the community's shock upon learning of Mr Hill's appeal to fly again, emphasizing the renewed anguish for the victims' families and friends.

Rutland reflected, "It could not be clearer that he is simply not fit to sit in a cockpit."

He projected that the CAA's decision should offer some peace of mind to families and residents, affirming, "reassurance they have long needed that Mr Hill will never pilot a plane again." Inquiries for Mr Hill's legal team's viewpoint are underway.