Pupils at an Anglesey primary school witnessed the moment an RAF jet plummeted from the sky. The Hawk T2 aircraft was departing from RAF Valley on Wednesday, September 23 when it appeared to experience a serious technical failure.
Onlookers reported seeing flames on the aircraft as it departed the runway. It appeared that the crew then battled to maintain control. The plane climbed steeply before the aircrew ejected from the aircraft. Shortly after, the jet came down near a caravan park on the outskirts of Pencarnisiog, close to Rhosneigr.
Crash seen by schoolchildren
The impact site was situated near Ysgol Pencarnisiog and the crash was seen by youngsters at the school. Ysgol Rhosneigr is also nearby. The school referred North Wales Live to the local education authority, Anglesey Council, who confirmed support was being provided for the schools and their pupils.
Aaron C. Evans, Anglesey Council's director of education, skills and young people, said: "We're grateful that both pilots escaped with minor injuries and thank the emergency services for their quick response.
"We understand that pupils did witness the incident. Advice and support are being provided and we will continue to collaborate with the schools as necessary."
Emergency response and investigation
Two air ambulances and a coastguard helicopter formed part of a significant emergency response to the incident. North Wales Police subsequently confirmed there were no reports of injuries beyond those suffered by the pilots, who ejected from the aircraft and were located shortly after the incident.
An RAF spokesperson stated: "An incident involving an RAF T2 Hawk aircraft, flying out of RAF Valley, occurred near Anglesey. An investigation is underway and we will not comment further at this time."
