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UK defense: Red Arrows pilot dies in crash

By the CNN Wire Staff
The Red Arrows display below dark skies at the annual RNAS Yeovilton Air Day on July 9, 2011 in Yeovil, England.
The Red Arrows display below dark skies at the annual RNAS Yeovilton Air Day on July 9, 2011 in Yeovil, England.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
  • NEW: Officials confirm pilot was killed
  • NEW: Lt. Jon Egging had been on team since last autumn
  • The Red Arrows display team is part of the British Royal Air Force

London (CNN) -- A pilot on the UK Royal Air Force Red Arrows aerobatic team died Saturday when his plane crashed after an air show in the coastal town of Bournemouth, officials said.

The Hawk T1 crashed only about a mile from an airport, said the Ministry of Defence.

The ministry identified the pilot as Lt. Jon Egging, 33, who had been on the team since last autumn. His service included Afghanistan.

"A gifted aviator, he was chosen to fly in the Red 4 slot, on the right hand outside of the famous Diamond Nine formation -- an accolade in itself being the most demanding position allocated to a first-year pilot," Group Capt. Simon Blake, commandant of the RAF's Central Flying School, said in a statement.

The Red Arrows had been taking part in a display at the Bournemouth Air Festival.

Military officials were investigating the incident, said a spokesman for the Ministry of Defence.

The Bournemouth Airport was closed for a short time, but returned to normal operations. A post on the Bournemouth Air Festival Twitter feed said the air show would continue.

"Every account I have heard of Flight Lieutenant Egging, describes him as a man of extreme bravery, integrity and honor, held in the highest regard by all those who knew him," Bournemouth Mayor Chris Rochester said in a statement. "The RAF has clearly lost an exceptional pilot and his family a man who was loved and cherished. My sincere condolences are extended to his family, friends and colleagues."

Egging, of Rutland, is survived by his wife.

The Red Arrows aerobatics team has completed more than 4,000 displays in 53 countries since it was formed in 1965, the Royal Air Force website says.

CNN's Samira Said, Laura Smith-Spark and Bharati Naik contributed to this report.