A farmer has described the moment he saw the wrecked RAF plane remains scattered across his field after the training aircraft crashed on Anglesey.
The T2 Hawk aircraft, described by the RAF as a “high-performance, two-seat training jet” designed to “simulate front-line combat aircraft like the Typhoon”, had just taken off from RAF Valley on Anglesey when the crash happened. Two crew members were forced to eject using parachutes shortly before it hit the ground.
Images from the scene show the plane erupting into a massive fireball as eyewitness heard an “enormous bang” and saw a “huge wall of fire” as the jet crashed. The two RAF pilots are being treated for minor injuries after ejecting from their training aircraft which crashed on Anglesey, North Wales Police said.
Richard Owen, 88, a farmer and owner of Afallon Caravan Park near Rhosneigr, Anglesey, described the moment he heard the crash and saw the wreckage scattered across his field.
Mr Owen was in the kitchen at the time but at first he ‘didn’t think much about it’. He told MailOnline: “We are on the flight path and there are planes overhead every day. We’re just a couple of miles from the runway.
“But then I heard a second bang and I saw the fire and flames. It landed just on the other side of the park. I went out to take a look. There were little bits of wreckage all around the site. The tail section must have blown off and landed next to one of the caravans. There was lots of smoke, thick black smoke. I didn’t dare to go too close. I was worried about it exploding.”
A Royal Air Force spokesperson said: “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.”
Reform UK’s new Senedd leader and Member of the Senedd for Bangor Conwy Môn has issued the following statement: “I am deeply concerned to hear of the incident at RAF Valley this afternoon. My thoughts are with the crew, their families and everyone at the base.
“I want to thank North Wales Police, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, the Welsh Ambulance Service, the air ambulance crews and the coastguard, who were at the scene within minutes. Their professionalism in moments like this is something we should never take for granted.
“I grew up in Bodorgan, just along the coast from Valley. RAF Valley is part of the fabric of Anglesey. It has trained generations of fast-jet pilots, and our island is proud to be home to the men and women who serve there. I will be in touch with the station and the relevant authorities, and I will keep constituents updated.”
In a post on X, Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said an investigation had been launched into the crash. He said: “My thoughts are first and foremost with the pilots. We will provide further updates in due course.”
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