Archive · 24 Sep 2026
RAF Hawk T2 Crashes in Wales After Pilots Eject
A Royal Air Force training plane took off from RAF Valley in Wales and soon developed a serious problem.
The plane flew unstably and began producing smoke and flames.
The two pilots escaped by ejecting from the aircraft.
Video footage reportedly captured them parachuting down before the plane crashed.
The aircraft hit farmland near Pencarnisiog and turned into a fireball.
Emergency workers searched for the pilots and treated them for injuries believed to be minor.
Officials said there were no reported injuries to members of the public or major wider damage.
The RAF stopped its Hawk planes from flying temporarily.
Investigators are trying to find out whether an engine or control problem caused the crash.
An RAF Hawk T2 training aircraft crashed into farmland near Pencarnisiog on Anglesey shortly after departing RAF Valley.
Video footage reportedly shows both pilots ejecting moments before the aircraft struck the ground and burst into flames.
Both pilots were found shortly afterward and treated for injuries believed to be minor.
Emergency services reported no wider damage or injuries to members of the public, although the aircraft appeared to narrowly miss nearby homes.
The Ministry of Defence launched an investigation and the RAF temporarily grounded its Hawk T2 and T1 fleets.
- Who
- Two Royal Air Force pilots were aboard the Hawk T2; emergency services, RAF personnel and other responders attended the scene.
- What
- An RAF Hawk T2 training aircraft crashed and caught fire after both pilots ejected.
- When
- Wednesday afternoon, shortly after the aircraft became airborne.
- Where
- Open farmland near Pencarnisiog on Anglesey, North Wales, after the aircraft departed RAF Valley.
- Why
- The cause has not been established; reports raised possible engine or flight-control failures, and a formal investigation is underway.
Official Statements
Reported Technical Theories
Cause of the crash
Official Statements
The Royal Air Force and Ministry of Defence confirmed the incident and investigation but did not identify a cause.
Reported Technical Theories
Sources and an expert suggested a possible engine failure, fire-related control damage, or an aircraft response problem; these explanations remain unconfirmed.
Grounding of the Hawk fleet
Official Statements
An RAF source described the temporary grounding as standard practice following an incident of this kind.
Reported Technical Theories
Reporting connected the grounding with previous Hawk engine-related problems, including earlier fleet suspensions and engine withdrawals.
- Aircraft
- Royal Air Force Hawk T2 training aircraft, reportedly valued at Rs 203 crore
- Departure point
- RAF Valley
- Crash location
- Farmland near Pencarnisiog on Anglesey, North Wales
- Pilot outcome
- Both pilots ejected, were found shortly afterward and received treatment for believed minor injuries
- Public impact
- Police reported no wider damage or injuries to members of the public
- Fleet response
- The RAF temporarily grounded its Hawk T2 and Hawk T1 aircraft
- Investigation
- The Ministry of Defence confirmed that a formal inquiry was launched
