Full Breakdown
RAF T2 Hawk Training Jet Crashes After Takeoff from RAF Valley
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On September 23, a Royal Air Force (RAF) BAE Systems Hawk T2 training aircraft crashed shortly after taking off from RAF Valley on Anglesey, Wales. Both pilots ejected and were subsequently treated for minor injuries. Police and emergency services reported no wider damage or additional injuries at the scene.
Background & Context
RAF Valley is the home of No. 4 Flying Training School, where Hawk T2 jets are used for advanced jet training that prepares pilots for complex tactical environments. The base previously hosted the Prince of Wales as a search-and-rescue pilot (2010-2013). Incidents that require pilot ejection are described by the Ministry of Defence as rare and normally trigger a full military investigation.
On-the-Ground Reports
Eyewitnesses described the aircraft catching fire and pitching up violently twice before the pilots ejected. Video footage captured the ejection sequence, and residents reported a massive black plume of smoke rising from the crash site, which appeared to be a hillside residential area.
Official Statements & Responses
- North Wales Police said local officers were on the scene together with the RAF, North Wales Fire and Rescue Services, Welsh Ambulance Service University Health Trust and Helimed, and that the pilots were being treated for minor injuries.
- The Ministry of Defence was approached for comment but had not provided a statement when the story was published.
- Emergency responders included the Wales Air Ambulance, the Coastguard and fire crews, all deployed to the Pencarnisiog area of Anglesey.
Data & Statistics
- Aircraft: BAE Systems Hawk T2 training jet
- Location: Pencarnisiog area, Anglesey, near RAF Valley
- Injuries: Two pilots – minor injuries only
- Damage: No reports of wider damage or civilian injuries
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All outlets agree that the pilots sustained only minor injuries and that no additional damage was reported. No source disclosed the cause of the crash; the investigation’s findings remain pending.
Verbatim Quotes
- “ A spokesperson for North Wales Police said: "Local officers are currently in attendance to reports of an incident involving an RAF training aircraft in the Pencarnisiog area of Anglesey, alongside colleagues from the Royal Air Force, North Wales Fire and Rescue Services, Welsh Ambulance Service University Health Trust and Helimed.” — North Wales Police
- “Please avoid the area until further notice.” — The Ministry
- “An incident involving an RAF T2 Hawk aircraft, flying out of RAF Valley.” — The Royal Air Force
- “An incident involving an RAF T2 Hawk aircraft, flying out of RAF Valley, occurred near Anglesey.” — Royal Air Force spokesperson
What’s Next
The RAF has launched a formal investigation into the crash. Updates will be released as the inquiry progresses.