‘Proud’ wife praises Red Arrows pilot killed in crash
The wife of Flight Lieutenant Jon Egging, who died when his Hawk T1 aircraft plunged to the ground near Bournemouth Airport in Dorset, has paid tribute to the 33-year-old.
Dr Emma Egging said she was “the proudest I’ve ever been” after watching his performance in the skies above the seaside resort on Saturday.
The plane plunged to the ground near Bournemouth Airport after a demonstration at the town’s Air Festival.
Dorset Police said that Jon Egging was thrown from the aircraft and pronounced dead at the scene.
Colleagues described Flt Lt Egging as a “true team player” and “gifted aviator”.
Dr Egging said: “Jon was everything to those that knew him, and he was the best friend and husband I could ever have wished for.
“I know that he would have wanted me to say something from the heart at this time.
“There was nothing bad about Jon. He loved his job and was an exemplary pilot.
“Watching him…I was the proudest I’ve ever been. I loved everything about him, and he will be missed,” she said.
The accident was the first death the aerobatic team has suffered during a public display.