The pilot involved in the tragic Shoreham Airshow crash in 2015, where 11 individuals lost their lives, has had his flying licences revoked, following an unsuccessful appeal against aviation officials. Andrew Hill, aged 60, contested the decision to revoke his private and commercial licences in a two-day hearing before a Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) panel in London. However, the CAA confirmed on Thursday that the revocation was upheld. A CAA spokesperson stated, “Andrew Hill’s licences will now formally be revoked.”
The CAA explained that Hill’s licences were suspended after the Shoreham Airshow disaster and he has been unable to fly in the UK since then. The tragic incident occurred on August 22, 2015, when Hill’s aircraft, a Hawker Hunter, crashed onto the A27 road while performing an aerobatic manoeuvre. Despite being acquitted of all charges in a trial for 11 counts of manslaughter by gross negligence in March 2019, a coroner in December 2022 determined that Hill’s “poor” piloting and significant errors led to the unlawful killing of the 11 men.
The decision to uphold the revocation of Hill’s licences has brought relief to the families of the victims and the community. Giovanna Chirico, who lost her partner in the crash, expressed her satisfaction at Hill being denied the return of his flying licence, accusing him of lacking remorse. East Worthing and Shoreham MP Tom Rutland also shared his sentiments, stating that Hill is unfit to pilot a plane. The CAA’s decision is seen as providing some closure to the families and locals impacted by the tragic event.
Inquiries for Andrew Hill’s legal team’s response to the decision are currently ongoing. The CAA expressed their continued sympathy for those affected by the Shoreham Airshow disaster, maintaining that their thoughts remain with the victims and their families.