Shoreham survey reveals emotional toll of air crash

The pilot of the Hawker Hunter jet survived the crash

People who witnessed the Shoreham Airshow disaster in which 11 people were killed have revealed they have suffered flashbacks, nightmares and low moods since the crash.

As part of a survey carried out by BBC Sussex, more than half of those who responded said they had been emotionally affected.

The Hawker Hunter jet crashed on to the A27 during a performance in August.

More than 140 people took part in the online survey.

Out of those who responded, 68% said Shoreham Airport should still host airshows in the future.

And 10% of people said they feel guilty following the crash.

One respondent wrote: "Attended as part of the emergency services response, [I have] empty feelings about not being able to help more of the victims."

Another wrote: "It was the most horrific, harrowing, terrible thing I have ever witnessed. I was distraught as I saw it coming out of the loop and knowing that he wasn't going to make it and thinking of the people on the road driving and watching.

"It is a terrible moment I shall never forget and thinking and typing now makes me shake and cry."

And another said: "It was horrendous, couldn't believe what had happened. Was terribly upsetting and had reoccurring nightmares of it for many weeks, couldn't stop seeing it in my mind."

A report said the accident response was delayed in the area near the ejector seats

The pilot of the jet, Andy Hill, survived the crash and spoke to the police for the first time on Friday.

An initial report by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) said the jet had expired ejector seat parts and an out-of-date technical manual.

Its report said the seats were a "significant hazard" that delayed rescue teams until they were made safe.

The victims:

(Top row, left to right) Matt Jones, Matthew Grimstone, Jacob Schilt, Maurice Abrahams, Richard Smith. (Bottom row, left to right) Mark Reeves, Tony Brightwell, Mark Trussler, Daniele Polito, Dylan Archer, Graham Mallinson

• Matt Jones, a 24-year-old personal trainer

• Matthew Grimstone, 23, a Worthing United footballer who worked as a groundsman at Brighton & Hove Albion

• Jacob Schilt, also 23 and also a Worthing United player, was travelling to a match with Mr Grimstone

• Maurice Abrahams, 76, from Brighton, was a chauffeur on his way to pick up a bride on her wedding day

• Friends Richard Smith, 26, and Dylan Archer, 42, who were going for a bike ride on the South Downs

• Mark Reeves, 53, had ridden his motorcycle to the perimeter of Shoreham Airport to take photos of the planes

• Tony Brightwell, 53, from Hove was an aircraft enthusiast and had learnt to fly at Shoreham airfield

• Mark Trussler, 54, is thought to have been riding his motorcycle on the A27

• Daniele Polito was travelling in the same car as Mr Jones

• Graham Mallinson, 72, from Newick, was a keen photographer and retired engineer