RAF jet crashes and explodes in Anglesey moments after pilots eject

An RAF jet crashed and exploded moments after two pilots ejected during a training flight over Anglesey (Ynys Môn) in north Wales on Wednesday.

The aircraft, a Hawk T2, had just taken off from RAF Valley on the west of the island when the incident occurred, witnesses said.

Both pilots parachuted to the ground and were reportedly treated for minor injuries.

A video of the crash shows the aircraft appearing to climb unevenly before the pilots eject. The plane then nosedives towards the ground while trailing smoke and crashing near houses and agricultural buildings, sending an enormous fireball into the sky.

An RAF spokesperson said: “An incident involving an RAF T2 Hawk aircraft, flying out of RAF Valley, occurred near Anglesey. An investigation is under way and we will not comment further at this time.”

The site of the crash, at Pencarnisiog, is less than two miles from the airbase. RAF Valley is home to the air force’s No 4 Flying Training School, which trains fighter pilots using Hawk T2 and Texan T1 aircraft.

A spokesperson for North Wales fire and rescue service said: “Crews and officers attended an incident involving an aircraft in the Pencarnisiog area of Anglesey, working alongside colleagues from Royal Air Force, North Wales police, Welsh ambulance service and Wales air ambulance. The fire is now under control.”

They added: “Members of the public are asked to avoid the area while emergency services continue their work safely.”

Due to the crash, local train lines were closed and replacement buses were running between Bangor and Holyhead.

Pete Bennett, a local resident, told Wales Live it appeared the plane was in trouble as soon as it left the runway. He said: “I knew straight away that it was in trouble. Right on takeoff 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 – like the pilot was trying to gain altitude. It pitched twice violently in the air and then there were two clear, loud bangs. It was probably at around 800ft at this point. The pilots ejected and both parachutes opened.”

He said the explosion caused a “huge wall of fire and black smoke”. He added: “The aircrew came down around halfway between the runway and where the plane crashed, which I’m guessing was around a mile inland from RAF Valley.”

The defence secretary, Wes Streeting, said in a post on X: “My thoughts are first and foremost with the pilots. We will provide further updates in due course.”

North Wales police said: “Two pilots are being treated for what are thought to be minor injuries and at this stage there are no reports of any wider damage or injuries.”