AN ejector seat manufacturer will go on trial next year charged with breaching health and safety law following the death of a Red Arrows pilot.

Flight Lieutenant Sean Cunningham served with 100 Squadron at RAF Leeming, near Bedale, before being selected for the elite display team.

He was selected for the world-famous aerobatic unit in August 2010, but he died in November the following year, at the age of just 35, when the ejector seat of his Hawk XX177 jet initiated during pre-flight checks.

The incident happened while the aircraft was still stationary on the ground at the Red Arrow’s home base of RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire.

His family were at Lincoln Crown Court on Wednesday to see the Martin Baker Aircraft Company enter a not guilty plea to a charge under the Health and Safety at Work Act.

They sat in the jury box in the courtroom and watched as the formal plea was entered by the firm, which is based in Uxbridge, west London.

Judge John Pini QC said the trial would take place at Lincoln Crown Court starting on January 22.

The judge was told it the case was likely to last four to five weeks.

Flt Lt Cunningham died from multiple injuries following the incident on November 8, 2011, and his funeral was held at Coventry Cathedral in the presence of family friends and colleagues.

Fellow officers described him as an “unforgettable” comrade and then-Defence Secretary Phillip Hammond said he was regarded as among the most talented aviators in the world.

His commanding officer when he was at 100 Sqn, Wing Commander Christian Gleave said Flt Lt Cunningham, who was involved in several operational tours over Iraq, had been an inspirational figure for the squadron.

“His endless enthusiasm for life, his determination to develop others and best represent the service, and his natural ability to make time for everyone made an unforgettable impression on everyone he met,” he said.

“Sean represented all the best values in the Royal Air Force - courage, loyalty, tenacity and, alongside a great sense of humour, an utter commitment to excel.”