§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the mid-air collision 19 September between a Royal Navy Sea Harrier and a Dutch F-16; and what plans he has to issue a summary of the inquiry report on this accident. [8598]
§ Mr. SoamesOn 19 September 1996, a Royal Navy Sea Harrier and a Dutch F-16 touched in mid-air while conducting air combat training manoeuvres off Portland Bill. This resulted in damage to the nose of the Sea Harrier and to the tail of the F-16. Neither pilot sustained injuries, and both aircraft recovered safely to RNAS Yeovilton.
A board of inquiry was convened to investigate the incident in conjunction with the Dutch authorities. Once this process is complete, a summary of the findings of the board of inquiry will be placed in the Library of the House.