MEMBERS of Bournemouth Red Arrows Association have paid tribute to Flt Lt Sean Cunningham, who died yesterday.

The Red Arrows pilot was killed in an incident at the team’s home base in Lincolnshire.

It is believed his ejector seat activated while his aircraft was on the ground.

It comes just 11 weeks after Flt Lt Jon Egging lost his life in a crash near Bournemouth Airport following a display at the town’s air festival.

Last night, at a scheduled meeting of the association, 50 attendees held a silence in tribute.

Chairman Terry Trevett said: “In the current situation shock I think is too small a word, people are devastated.

“So soon after Jon’s memorial service and everything that went on with that, for this to happen was just devastating."

Medical teams were called to an incident on the ground at RAF Scampton.

Speaking at RAF Scampton, Group Captain Simon Blake said: “The pilot was ejected from the aircraft while the aircraft was on the ground.

“The director-general of the Military Aviation Authority is in the process of initiating a full and independent service inquiry to determine the cause of this tragic incident.

“It would be inappropriate to speculate on the cause of the incident until that inquiry is complete. The investigation will determine the facts.

“The pilot’s next of kin has been informed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the pilot's family and friends at this difficult time.”