A Hawk jet has crashed near RAF Valley in Anglesey, with emergency services responding to the incident.
The aircraft came down on Wednesday afternoon in the vicinity of the Royal Air Force base. Eyewitnesses said both crew members ejected before the aircraft crashed. An air ambulance was dispatched from Caernarfon towards RAF Valley following the incident, with a Coastguard helicopter also responding.
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One eyewitness, writing on Facebook, said: “We watched it takeoff, we’re on shoreside and have watched hundreds take off. I said to my wife it’s in trouble as I could see flames as in took off. We watched it climb then it as it was parallel with us it started to pitch up violently twice. Then both pilots ejected and the Hawk crash about a mile away.”
A Royal Air Force spokesperson said:
“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.”
North Wales Police stated:
“Officers are currently in attendance to reports of an incident involving an RAF training aircraft in the Pencarnisiog area of Anglesey, alongside colleagues from the Royal Air Force, North Wales Fire and Rescue Services, Welsh Ambulance Service University Health Trust and Helimed. Please avoid the area until further notice. Updates will be issued when appropriate.”
BREAKING: Reports of Hawk jet crash at RAF Valley – Air Ambulance responding
EC-145 “HELIMED61” G-LOYW is responding to a reported crash of an RAF BAE “Hawk” jet at RAF Valley in Wales. Both crew reportedly ejected.
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RAF Valley is the centre of advanced fast-jet training for the Royal Air Force, with Hawk T2 aircraft operated from the Anglesey base as part of the UK Military Flying Training System.
The Hawk T2 is a two-seat advanced jet trainer used to prepare pilots for frontline fast jets including the Typhoon and F-35B. Its cockpit and training systems allow crews to practise tactical flying, simulated weapons employment and other elements of combat-air operations before progressing to operational conversion units.
The aircraft is powered by a Rolls-Royce Adour turbofan and replaced the older Hawk T1 in the RAF’s advanced training role. RAF Valley has been associated with fast-jet flying training for decades and routinely conducts Hawk sorties over North Wales and the surrounding sea areas.
Hope the pilots are ok and no serious injuries
Hope everyone is safe.
Worry attrition to the tiny fleet of T2s.