What video footage tells us about RAF training jet crash

The RAF is probing a crash involving one of its high-speed Hawk fighter jets after two pilots ejected and parachuted out of their plane just moments before the aircraft crashed and erupted into flames. Training on these jets has been temporarily halted as a precautionary measure. North Wales Police confirmed that the pilots, who were operating a training aircraft, are receiving treatment for minor injuries.

As the investigation unfolds, video footage offers insights into the incident, according to security analyst Mikey Kay, a former RAF pilot. The Hawk T2 jet crashed at Pencarnisiog near RAF Valley, Anglesey, after taking off from the base. Kay points out that the region is ideal for pilot training, featuring both basic and advanced fast-jet training.

The crash occurred on a low-flying training area, known as a tactical training area, with 20 such locations spread across central Wales, northern Scotland, the borders of southern Scotland, and northern England. The RAF Valley is situated near the Machynlleth Loop, a popular spot for aviation enthusiasts and photographers. The Hawk T2 is a two-seat training jet used for advanced jet training and simulating the controls of the Typhoon fighter jet.

The aircraft boasts an advanced glass cockpit and is employed for the most sophisticated fast jet training for RAF pilots. The T1 version of the Hawk is also utilized by the Red Arrows, currently on hold until their participation in the Le Touquet Airshow in France. The exact time of the pilots' ejection from the plane remains unclear.

Kay, who shared video footage on social media, observed flames rising from the rear of the T2 jet, which then disappeared as the aircraft climbed. He noted that Hawks do not typically emit flames during take-off, attributing the appearance to the side of the engine where the main hydraulic system is located. Kay suggested that the crash might not have been caused by an engine failure, emphasizing that the video footage of the pilots ejecting seems remarkable, highlighting the effectiveness of the ejection seat in such emergencies.