Video footage has captured flames erupting from an RAF jet as it departed from an Anglesey airbase before plummeting moments later. The Hawk T2 training aircraft was leaving RAF Valley at midday on Wednesday, September 23.
Onlookers reported flames emerging from the aircraft as it departed the runway. This has now been documented in footage recorded by Finley Thompson. The aircraft quickly climbed before the aircrew ejected from the plane. The jet subsequently came down near a caravan park on the outskirts of Pencarnisiog, close to Rhosneigr.
RAF expert explains unusual flames
BBC Security analyst Mikey Kay, who also spent 20 years serving in the RAF, explained to the broadcaster that the Hawks are non-reheated jets, meaning they lack reheat (afterburn). This differs from an F18 or a Tornado where orange flames will emerge from the jet, Kay explained. "You never ever see flames coming out of the back of a Hawk," he stated.
He noted that flames can be observed emanating from the engine's side - where the primary hydraulics system is located, which governs how the aircraft operates. This will form part of the RAF's investigation into the incident which has resulted in Hawk jets being temporarily grounded.
Eyewitness account and RAF statement
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."
One eyewitness told North Wales Live that he had watched the aircraft take off prior to the crash. He stated: "I knew straight away that it was in trouble – right on take-off there was an orange flame and as it accelerated it was basically on fire. As it gained altitude the flame disappeared but it was clearly in trouble. It climbed at an aggressive pitch... It pitched twice violently in the air and then there were two clear loud bangs. The pilots ejected and both parachutes opened."
