The two pilots who ejected from their RAF jet moments before it crashed on Anglesey are expected to make a full recovery, the RAF has confirmed. The Hawk T2 aircraft was flying out of RAF Valley station when it fell to the ground in the nearby Pencarnisiog area, causing an explosion.
Pilots in good spirits after ejection
On Thursday September 24, the RAF said the two pilots, who were treated for minor injuries, are "doing well" and are "expected to make a full recovery." Hawk operations have been paused by the RAF as a precautionary measure while investigations into the crash continue.
In a statement on social media, the Royal Air Force said: "Both pilots are doing well, they are in extremely good spirits and expected to make a full recovery." A formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident is now under way, and, as a precautionary measure, the RAF has temporarily paused Hawk T1 and Hawk T2 flying operations.
Crash footage shows narrow miss
A video of the crash shared on social media showed the two pilots ejecting from the aircraft before it nosedived and crashed in flames. The footage shows a plume of smoke and fire erupting as the aircraft hits the ground, appearing to narrowly miss nearby homes.
RAF Valley, where the Prince of Wales served for three years as a search and rescue pilot, is home to No 4 Flying Training School, which trains pilots to fly fast jets. The Hawk T1 and newer T2 versions are transonic, two-seat training aircraft used to train fast jet pilots. The T1 is used by the Red Arrows, whose flying has also been paused, but they are not due to fly until the weekend.
