Key facts
- Two pilots ejected from an RAF Hawk T2 jet before it crashed near Anglesey.
- The pilots are expected to make a full recovery.
- The crash occurred during a training flight on Wednesday.
- The RAF has temporarily paused Hawk T1 and Hawk T2 flying operations.
- An investigation into the incident is underway.
Two pilots are expected to make a full recovery after ejecting from an RAF Hawk T2 jet moments before it crashed near Pencarnisiog on the island of Anglesey on Wednesday. The aircraft took off from RAF Valley, located on the west of the island, and crashed less than two miles away. Video footage shared on social media appeared to show the pilots ejecting before the jet nosedived and crashed in flames, narrowly missing homes.
The RAF confirmed on Thursday that both pilots were treated for minor injuries and are "doing well" and "expected to make a full recovery." A formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident is now underway, and as a precautionary measure, the RAF has temporarily paused Hawk T1 and Hawk T2 flying operations. The Red Arrows, which use the T1 variant, are included in this pause.
RAF Valley is a base for fast jet pilot training, and also trains aircrew for mountain and maritime operations. It is also home to the Mountain Rescue Service. The Prince of Wales previously served as an RAF search and rescue pilot at the Holyhead base.