Crashed RAF jet steered to 'avoid built-up areas' before pilots ejected, commander says

ByRowenna Hoskin

BBC Wales

Two pilots who ejected and parachuted out of from their plane moments before it crashed are expected to make a full recovery, the RAF has said.

The Hawk T2 aircraft had been flying out of the RAF Valley station on Anglesey on Wednesday when it plummeted to the ground in the nearby Pencarnisiog area.

Hawk operations have been paused by the RAF as a "precautionary measure" while investigations into the crash are ongoing.

On Thursday, the RAF said the two pilots, who were treated for minor injuries, are "doing well" and are "expected to make a full recovery".

A video of the crash shared on social media on Wednesday appeared to show the two pilots ejecting from the aircraft before it nosedives and crashes in flames.

The footage shows a plume of smoke and fire erupting as the aircraft hits the ground, appearing to narrowly miss homes.

In a statement on social media, the RAF 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."

The Hawk T1, and newer T2 versions are transonic, two-seat training aircrafts used to train fast jet pilots.

The Red Arrows, based at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire, are included in the pause as the aerobatics display team use the T1.

However, they were not due to fly again until Le Touquet Airshow in France this weekend in any event. It is not known when the restriction will be lifted.

What is RAF Valley?

Fighter pilots are trained at RAF Valley. Aircrew are also trained there for mountain and maritime operations, and it is also home to the Mountain Rescue Service.

The MOD describes its No 4 Flying Training School as responsible for training the "next generation of world-class fighter pilots, external".

It opened in February 1941 and became a staging post for US aircraft to help the war effort from 1943.

The Prince of Wales was an RAF search and rescue pilot at the Holyhead base from 2010 to 2013 and lived on Anglesey with the Princess of Wales as newlyweds.

He returned in April to mark it 85th anniversary, where he spoke of his "fond memories" of the base.

Separately, a publicly-funded airport operated between Anglesey and Cardiff between 2007 and 2020.