RAF T2 Hawk trainer jet crashes in Wales, both pilots eject safely

A Royal Air Force T2 Hawk training jet has crashed in Wales after taking off on Wednesday afternoon from RAF Valley, the training base on Anglesey, and going down not far from it. Both pilots managed to eject and suffered only minor injuries, with no significant damage reported on the ground.

“There has been an incident involving an RAF T2 Hawk aircraft from RAF Valley near Anglesey. An investigation is underway, and we are unable to provide further comment at this time,” an RAF spokesperson said.

North Wales Police later confirmed that both airmen ejected before the aircraft went down and sustained minor injuries. According to police, the incident caused no serious damage. The entire episode, including the fire that followed, was captured on camera by eyewitnesses.

What witnesses saw

One eyewitness told The Independent that problems with the aircraft were apparent immediately after takeoff. “It was clear something was wrong — flames appeared right after takeoff, and as it picked up speed the plane was essentially on fire,” he said. According to him, two loud explosions were heard while the jet was still airborne. “The pilots ejected, and both parachutes opened,” the witness added.

Police are now investigating the exact circumstances and causes of the crash.

Around Prague, based on reporting by novinky.cz