RAF Hawk crash in Anglesey: What we know so far after T2 aircraft horror in Wales

RAF Hawk crash in Anglesey: What we know so far after T2 aircraft horror in Wales From the terrifying eyewitnesses accounts to the aircraft's previous technical problems, here's everything we know about the horror RAF Hawk T2 crash and what investigators will examine next Two RAF pilots dodged death today after ejecting from a training jet moments before it crashed and erupted into a fireball near homes. The Hawk T2 aircraft had just taken off from RAF Valley on Anglesey, north Wales, when witnesses reported seeing flames coming from the jet. Dramatic footage appeared to show both crew members parachuting to safety before the aircraft plunged towards the ground. One eyewitness described seeing an orange flame as the aircraft accelerated before it climbed steeply, pitched violently and crashed near the village of Pencarnisiog on Wednesday, September 23. The incident has raised questions about the circumstances of the crash and the safety of the Hawk T2, which has previously experienced engine reliability problems. Here is everything we know so far. What happened to the RAF Hawk jet on Anglesey? The aircraft encountered difficulties shortly after taking off from RAF Valley, an RAF training base on the western coast of Anglesey. One eyewitness told North Wales Live that he immediately noticed something was wrong after spotting an orange flame as the jet accelerated along the runway. He said: "I knew straight away that it was in trouble - right on take-off 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… It pitched twice violently in the air and then there were two clear loud bangs. The pilots ejected and both parachutes opened." Footage circulating on social media appeared to show the jet narrowly missing residential properties before hitting the ground, sending flames and thick black smoke into the air. The aircraft was a Hawk T2, a two-seat training jet used to prepare RAF and Royal Navy pilots for flying frontline fighter aircraft, including the Typhoon. What happened to the two pilots, and was anyone else hurt? Both crew members managed to eject before the aircraft crashed and were taken to hospital with what police believed were minor injuries. North Wales Police said there were no reports of additional casualties or wider damage at the time of its initial statement. Emergency services, including firefighters, ambulance crews and an air ambulance, attended the scene. North Wales Fire and Rescue Service subsequently confirmed that the fire had been brought under control. Police urged members of the public to avoid the area while emergency crews dealt with the aftermath. Is the RAF Hawk T2 safe? Have there been previous incidents? The Hawk T2 has previously experienced significant engine reliability problems, although there is currently no confirmed link between those issues and Wednesday's crash. In January 2023, the RAF temporarily grounded its fleet of 28 Hawk T2 aircraft following an engine-related incident at RAF Valley, amid concerns over components of the jets' Rolls-Royce/Safran Adour 951 engines. In March 2024, the Ministry of Defence confirmed that 16 of its 28 Hawk T2 aircraft were unavailable for fast-jet training. It said work was underway with industry to address the engine problems. The aircraft's reliability problems have also contributed to plans to replace the Hawk T2 earlier than originally intended, with its planned retirement brought forward from 2040 to 2033. But, previous technical difficulties do not establish what caused the latest crash. Investigators have yet to determine whether a mechanical fault, another technical issue or other circumstances were involved. What happens now and how will the crash be investigated? Investigators will seek to establish what went wrong during the flight, why the pilots were forced to eject and whether any technical or operational issues contributed to the crash. A military aviation investigation can involve examining wreckage, aircraft maintenance records and available flight data, alongside evidence from the crew and witnesses. It remains to be confirmed which formal investigation process will be used in this case. An RAF spokesperson told the Mirror: "An incident involving an RAF T2 Hawk aircraft, flying out of RAF Valley, occurred near Anglesey. An investigation is underway and we will not comment further at this time." Defence Secretary Wes Streeting confirmed that both crew members had been taken to hospital and said officials were investigating how and why the crash happened. He added: "But for now, our best wishes go to the crew along with our hopes for a speedy recovery."