Hawk Fighter Jets to Resume Flying at RAF Valley After Crash

High-speed Hawk fighter jets are set to resume flying from RAF Valley on Anglesey after two pilots were forced to eject from an aircraft moments before it crashed near Pencarnisiog last month.

The RAF had temporarily suspended Hawk operations following the incident while safety checks and investigations were carried out.

Now, RAF Valley has confirmed that Hawk T2 flying will resume on Thursday afternoon after what it described as a thorough review of the information currently available and additional safety assurance work.

Pilots Ejected Before Crash

The Hawk T2 had been operating from RAF Valley when it came down near the village of Pencarnisiog.

Two pilots were on board the aircraft and successfully ejected before the jet crashed.

The aircraft struck the ground near residential properties, with witnesses reporting a large plume of smoke and fire.

Debris was also reported near a nearby caravan site.

Video footage appearing to show the pilots ejecting from the aircraft before it crashed was shared widely following the incident.

Both pilots suffered minor injuries and are expected to make a full recovery.

They later thanked emergency services and others who helped following the crash.

RAF Paused Hawk Operations

Following the crash, the RAF took the decision to temporarily pause Hawk operations while the circumstances of the incident were examined.

The suspension also temporarily affected the Red Arrows, who operate Hawk aircraft.

However, the Red Arrows resumed flying later that week after separate safety considerations were completed.

The wider Hawk fleet remained subject to further review.

Flying to Resume After Safety Review

RAF Valley said the decision to resume Hawk T2 operations had been taken following extensive scrutiny.

The RAF said the necessary safety controls and assurance measures were now in place to allow a "measured and controlled return to flying".

The decision was described as having been taken at the highest level.

RAF Valley also stressed that the safety of aircrew, personnel and local communities remained its highest priority.

The investigation into the crash will continue alongside normal flying and safety procedures.

What Are Hawk Aircraft Used For?

The BAE Systems Hawk is a two-seat training aircraft used by the RAF to prepare fast-jet pilots for more advanced aircraft.

The Hawk T1 and newer Hawk T2 variants are capable of transonic speeds and have played a central role in RAF fast-jet training for decades.

RAF Valley is one of the UK's principal military flying training bases and is home to advanced fast-jet training.

The base plays an important role in preparing pilots for operational aircraft used by the RAF and Royal Navy.

Return to Flying

The return of Hawk T2 aircraft means normal training activity can begin to resume at RAF Valley.

However, the crash investigation remains ongoing, meaning the full circumstances behind the incident have yet to be established.

For people living around RAF Valley, the resumption of flying will also bring the return of military aircraft noise and activity to the skies above Anglesey.

The RAF has emphasised that the return has only been authorised after safety controls and assurance measures were reviewed.

The Hawk T2 fleet will resume flying from RAF Valley on Thursday afternoon, while the investigation into last month's crash continues.