A controversial legal battle has emerged involving Andy Hill, the pilot who survived the devastating Shoreham Airshow disaster in 2015, which claimed the lives of 11 people.
Hill, now 60 years old, is challenging the decision made by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to revoke his pilot licenses, a move that has sparked outrage from the families of the victims.
Hill has taken the fight to the High Court, hoping to overturn the decision.
Legal Challenge to Reclaim Pilot Licenses
In an effort to regain his flying credentials, Andy Hill filed a Judicial Review in the High Court, just months after losing an appeal against the CAA’s decision.
The 60-year-old, a former RAF airman, had been initially unsuccessful in challenging the CAA’s ruling last October during a two-day hearing.
Hill’s attempt to appeal again was seen by many as an unnecessary prolongation of the legal process, adding pain to the families of those who lost their loved ones in the tragic crash.
The families had hoped that Hill had missed the deadline for filing further appeals, which would have finally closed this painful chapter.
However, Hill claimed that court backlogs had prevented him from submitting the appeal on time.
This move has ignited anger, with relatives of the deceased criticizing his actions as self-serving and insensitive.
Pain for the Families of the Victims
Caroline Schilt, who tragically lost her 23-year-old son Jacob in the crash, spoke out about Hill’s decision.
She expressed the immense emotional pain caused by his continued legal challenges.
“Whether he is aware that his late challenges cause the families the ultimate pain as he prolongs the legal process cannot be proved,” Schilt shared.
“However, it certainly feels like a personal vendetta.”
Her son Jacob was on his way to a football match when Hill’s vintage aircraft crashed into the A27 in West Sussex during the Shoreham airshow.
Jacob was killed alongside his friend Matt Grimstone, also a victim of the disaster.
Tony Mallinson, another grieving relative, whose 72-year-old father James also perished, called Hill’s legal action “unwelcome news” and accused Hill of only thinking of his own interests.
Legal and Public Reactions to Hill’s Actions
The tragedy’s aftermath had already led to a 2022 coroner’s ruling that all 11 victims were unlawfully killed due to Hill’s “exceptionally bad” flying.
Despite this, Hill was acquitted of manslaughter charges at the Old Bailey, as it was determined he had been cognitively impaired during the flight.
For many, Hill’s refusal to accept responsibility for his actions has compounded the hurt, with many feeling he has shown no remorse.
The CAA has steadfastly defended its decision to revoke Hill’s pilot licenses, emphasizing that his conduct during the appeal hearing raised serious doubts about his fitness to fly.
“A man who cannot answer a straightforward question is not someone who would be capable of making a rational decision,” a CAA representative stated.
Hill’s Legal Team and the Ongoing Battle
Hill’s lawyers previously argued that the CAA’s decision was influenced more by public reaction to the crash rather than the actual facts.
Hill, who suffered significant injuries during the crash and nearly died at the scene, had his licenses suspended following the tragedy.
Since then, he has not been allowed to fly in the UK.
As Hill’s legal fight continues, the CAA has made it clear that it stands by its decision, offering its condolences to the families affected by the disaster.
A spokesperson for the High Court confirmed that Hill’s latest appeal has been submitted, while The Mirror reached out to his legal team for further comment.
The families, on the other hand, continue to fight for justice and peace, hoping this latest attempt by Hill will not drag them further into prolonged legal battles.