More concerns have been raised as former RAF pilots claim that black soot and fumes expelled from Sea King helicopters have led to more than 150 military personnel suffering from various types of cancer.
Former service members have reported that despite frequently inhaling fumes while riding in Sea King helicopters, no personal protective equipment (PPE) was provided, and no attempts were made to address the issue.
Now, many are making legal claims against the Ministry of Defence (MoD) after being diagnosed with various throat and lung cancers, despite never smoking, as well as non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and testicular cancer.
Former RAF pilot Zach Stubbings spoke to the Daily Mail, stating that the MoD would rather pay out compensation to those affected than address the fatal issue.
Zach, who flew more than 2,500 hours in Sea Kings from the age of 21, described struggling with the black, sooty fumes that poured forward from the exhaust:
“If you’re by the cargo door, the exhaust comes right through. Even worse, if you’re working on the winch, which I was, you’re putting your head right out into it.
“Sometimes the wind whipped it away, but mostly it pulled the fumes back so you got a face full and would be coughing and eyes streaming. And the smell!”
He explained that when they landed, their flying suits and bright yellow helmets were black with soot. “We had to clean everything. It didn’t feel right. There was no protection, nothing,” Zach said. “We all complained about it.”
According to the Daily Mail, official documents show that the government knew about the dangers of the Sea King’s exhaust as far back as 1999. However, the MoD continued to allow crews to fly in the helicopter with no extra safety precautions until it was decommissioned in 2018.
Cancer diagnoses
In 2013, Zach was given ten years to live after being diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. However, questions were raised as this type of disease is usually linked to those over the age of 60 and overweight or obese.
Zach ‘put two and two together’ and discovered another pilot, Rich Sutton, who had also flown more than 3,500 hours in Sea Kings and had been diagnosed with a rare cancer. “We got chatting over a cuppa in the crew room and thought, Well, that’s a bit odd,” said Zach.
Rich had been diagnosed with epithelioid fibrosarcoma, which caused tumours to keep appearing throughout his body.
Zach explained that three more colleagues then got in touch, reporting they were suffering from throat and lung cancers, despite never smoking. They formed a WhatsApp group called ‘Fly Hard, Fight Hard,’ and more people came forward.
Some were pilots suffering from cancers such as non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, multiple myeloma, lung cancer, throat cancer, and testicular cancer, while others were family members of pilots who had been struck down with cancer in their prime.
All had flown more than 2,000 hours in either Chinook, Wessex, Puma, or Sea King helicopters.
Meanwhile, Squadron Leader Kai Macnaughton died on March 24, 2023, just three weeks after being diagnosed with a vanishingly rare type of blood vessel cancer. When Kai died, his wife, Claire, received calls from friends and colleagues, with around seven also claiming they had cancer.
“They all came out of the woodwork. Oh yes, I’ve had cancer too. And me. And me! It was like, ‘I’m Spartacus!’ At least seven close friends,” she said. “But Kai was the first to go.”
So far, it is estimated that 150 military personnel, from all three services and of all ranks, along with family members, have contacted solicitors about bringing actions against the RAF.
Ongoing concerns
The number of cases is concerning, especially as it has been reported that troops flying RAF Sea King search-and-rescue helicopters raised their ‘genuine concern’ about exhaust inhalation more than 20 years ago.
So far, five cases have reportedly been settled—brought by Zach, Rich, and three others, two of whom have since died. However, it is expected that more will come forward in due course.
According to the Daily Mail, the MoD initially tried to fob Zach off but eventually admitted liability in his case alone before backtracking and settling with the others on a ‘no fault’ basis.
How to make a claim
If you have worked as an RAF pilot and believe you have been diagnosed with cancer-related to flying military aircraft, you may be entitled to make a legal claim. You may also be entitled to claim on behalf of a loved one who has sadly passed away as a result of their condition.
Employers have a legal duty to prevent and reduce exposure to harmful substances and chemicals, and they are under a duty of care to ensure their employees are not put at any foreseeable risk as far as practicable. If this has not been the case and you have suffered as a result, you may be entitled to claim compensation for the damages.
Why should I use Oakwood Solicitors Ltd?
Oakwood Solicitors Ltd agrees to work on your Industrial Disease claim on a ‘no-win, no-fee’ basis. If your claim is unsuccessful, you will not be expected to pay us a penny.
If you are successful in your claim, we take a percentage of the compensation meaning that the only time we will receive money is if we have brought your claim to a fruitful conclusion.
You will have a dedicated advisor who will see your claim through from start to finish, assisting you in the event of any queries or issues you may have. If it is preferable to you, we can assign a female advisor to carry out your claim.
Your case handler will also continue to provide regular updates until the conclusion of your claim, ensuring the process is as stress-free and effortless as possible.
Further reading
Respiratory disease claims – Oakwood Solicitors
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Natasha Hardy is a Solicitor and Head of the Industrial Disease Department, specialising in Industrial Disease matters and has experience in handling a wide range of cases including claims for Noise-I…
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