An RAF commander has confirmed that a jet which crashed in north Wales was "aimed" to avoid causing mass casualties. The Hawk T2 training aircraft departed from RAF Valley at lunchtime on Wednesday carrying a trainee pilot and a seasoned instructor.
Problems were visible from the ground at take-off, with "orange flames" spotted coming from the jet. The plane climbed rapidly as the pilots battled to regain control of the stricken aircraft.
Ejection and crash site
Both crew members ejected before the plane came down close to a caravan site on the outskirts of Pencarnisiog. The area is relatively rural, though not far from the more densely populated seaside village of Rhosneigr. It is believed local schoolchildren witnessed the terrifying events as they unfolded.
Group captain Gez Currie, station commander at RAF Valley, told the BBC the aircraft would have been steered away from more populated areas. He said: "The aircraft would have been aimed in a direction that the pilot believed was open field in order to avoid built-up areas and anybody on the ground."
Potential casualties avoided
Had the aircraft come down in a location such as Rhosneigr it could potentially have resulted in a significant number of casualties, with the fuel-laden plane likely erupting into flames upon impact. An investigation into the cause of the crash is now under way, with Hawk aircraft currently grounded.
An RAF spokesman said: "An incident involving an RAF T2 Hawk aircraft, flying out of RAF Valley, occurred near Anglesey. An investigation is under way and we will not comment further at this time."
Pilots in hospital
Gp Capt Currie told the BBC the pilots were receiving hospital treatment and were accompanied by their families. He explained the investigation was at an early stage, adding it was "far too early to even suggest what has happened on this occasion". He added: "It was a trainee, with a highly experienced instructor, on a routine sortie across the Anglesey area."
