What happened
On the morning of 14 November 2009, an English Electric Lightning MK T5, registration ZU-BEX, was performing an aerobatic display at the Overberg Test Flying and Development Aerodrome (FAOB) as part of a commercial air show. During the flight, the pilot declared an emergency, reporting a double hydraulic failure.
As the pilot attempted to land on Runway 2LL, the left main landing gear failed to extend. Despite attempts to use emergency procedures to force the gear down, the aircraft remained in a precarious state. The pilot soon reported a loss of control, prompting a decision to bail out. However, the ejection seat failed to function, leaving the pilot trapped as the aircraft impacted the ground at high speed. The impact and subsequent fire destroyed the aircraft and resulted in one fatality.