Hawk T2 jets have returned to the skies over North Wales, just over a fortnight after an aircraft crashed in Anglesey. RAF Valley confirmed that flying resumed this afternoon following a thorough review.
Crash incident details
On Wednesday, September 23, a Hawk T2 training aircraft departed from RAF Valley at midday with a trainee pilot and an experienced instructor on board. Problems were apparent from the ground during take-off, with "orange flames" visible from the jet. The aircraft quickly climbed as the pilots attempted to regain control.
The pair ejected from the aircraft before it came down near a caravan park on the outskirts of Pencarnisiog. Both RAF pilots received initial treatment in hospital but have since been discharged and are recovering at home.
Return to flying
Hawk T2 aircraft had been suspended from operations since the incident while an investigation was conducted. However, RAF Valley issued a fresh statement today confirming the resumption of flying.
The statement said: "Hawk T2 flying will resume from RAF Valley this afternoon following a thorough review of the information currently available and appropriate safety assurance activity."
"The decision has been taken at the highest level, after extensive scrutiny, that the necessary safety controls and assurance measures are in place to support a measured and controlled return to flying."
"The safety of aircrew, personnel and local communities remains paramount, and the investigation into last month's incident will continue alongside normal flying and safety assurance processes."
