Red Arrows widow speaks of loss

21 August 2011 Last updated at 17:20 ET

The widow of a Red Arrows pilot who died after an air display says she has been overwhelmed by the tributes paid in the wake of his “devastating” loss.

Flt Lt Jon Egging, 33, from Rutland, died when his Hawk T1 aircraft crashed into a field at the village of Throop near Bournemouth Airport on Saturday.

Dr Emma Egging described him as “an amazing friend and husband”.

Bournemouth Air Festival observed one minute’s silence before the start of Sunday’s display.

“The tributes that have poured in over the last two days… both online and here in Bournemouth have just been astounding,” said Dr Egging.

“It’s very heartfelt when I say thank to everybody, both personally on my behalf and on Jon’s behalf and I know the Red Arrows are completely bowled over by the support.”

She said Saturday had been the first time she had seen her husband perform a full display.

Flt Lt Egging flew on the right hand outside of the Diamond Nine formation

“I was on the beach so I was really proud. Everything that happened yesterday at the same time was obviously completely devastating.”

There has been speculation he was trying to avoid houses when he crashed.

Among those who paid tribute were Brian May, from rock group Queen, who had recently spent a day with the Red Arrows team.

He described Flt Lt Egging, known as Eggman, as “a hero in anybody’s book”.

He said: “These men and women are the hardest of nails. But their humanity and wickedly humorous team spirit was a joy to be around.

“It’s plain that Jon sacrificed his life yesterday to save civilians below, as he piloted his stricken Hawk jet away from housing, finally ejecting only when it was too late to save his own life.”

The number of books of condolence open in the Bournemouth for public tributes has now been increased to six, with hundreds of people queuing at the town hall to add their signatures.

Group Captain Simon Blake, the commandant of the RAF’s Central Flying School, said that the Hawk team T1 aircraft has been grounded by the Ministry of Defence “temporarily until its safety can be assured”.

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