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Gnat display team pull out of Herne Bay air show after tragic death of pilot Kevin Whyman

An aerial display team have withdrawn from next weekend’s Herne Bay air show after the tragic death of a pilot.

Kevin Whyman was a founder member of the Gnats Display team, who had been due to perform over the skies of Herne Bay on Saturday, August 15.

He was one of four pilots performing at the CarFest event in Cheshire when he crashed last weekend, sparking nationwide tributes.

Kevin Whyman tragically lost his life. Picture from the British Air Display Association.
Kevin Whyman tragically lost his life. Picture from the British Air Display Association.

On Facebook, Herne Bay’s air show organisers the Bay Promo Team posted their tribute. In a post they said: “It is with regret that we must advise that The Gnat Display Team are unable to perform at our event on Saturday, August 15.

“Following a tragic accident during a display last weekend, one of the team pilots, Kevin Whyman, scheduled to display here, sadly lost his life.

“We are sure you will join us in offering our condolences and deepest sympathy to the friends and family of Kevin.”

The Herne Bay air show is on August 15
The Herne Bay air show is on August 15

BBC presenter Chris Evans was at CarFest, and led tributes on his radio show. He said: “Kevin was an experienced pilot flying a plane he loved, which was part of the vintage Gnat display team he co-founded in 2007.

“He was thrilled when CarFest organisers invited him and his Gnat synchro partner Mark Fitzgerald to take part in this year's event.”

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