A pilot with the world famous Red Arrows died today after being ejected from his aircraft while on the ground.

A full investigation has been launched following the incident at the acrobatic team's base at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire.

The tragic accident comes less than three months after pilot John Egging, 33, was killed after a display over Bournemouth in Dorset.

Flt Lt Egging died just three days after he appeared with the crack team in the skies above Cromer during the town's annual carnival celebrations in August.

Medical teams rushed to RAF Scampton after the incident at around 11am. An air ambulance flew the pilot to Lincoln County Hospital but his injuries were so severe he could not be saved.

Speaking at the base Group Captain Simon Blake said: 'The pilot was ejected from the aircraft whilst the aircraft was on the ground. The director-general of the Military Aviation Authority is in the process of initiating a full and independent service inquiry to determine the cause of this tragic incident.'

'It would be inappropriate to speculate on the cause of the incident until that inquiry is complete. The investigation will determine the facts.

'The pilot's next of kin have been informed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the pilot's family and friends at this difficult time.'

The pilot will be named tomorrow.

The Red Arrows are a popular attraction in Norfolk and Suffolk and as well as their usual spot in Cromer, they also regularly appear at Lowestoft Airshow. The team used Norwich International Airport as their base during the two day Lowestoft show on August 11 and 12 this year.

The team completed their final display of the season in September and are carrying out winter training at their Lincolnshire base.