RAF training aircraft crashes in Wales - two pilots injured after ejecting

Wednesday, 23 September 2026 15:05

Two RAF pilots are being treated for minor injuries after ejecting from a training aircraft that crashed in Wales.

Emergency services were called to the Pencarnisiog area of Anglesey, near the RAF Valley station, North Wales Police said.

"Two pilots are being treated for what are thought to be minor injuries and at this stage there are no reports of any wider damage or injuries," the force added.

Images show the plane in a steep descent and a large explosion after it hits the ground.

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service said the fire is now under control. Ambulance and air ambulance crews were also in attendance.

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 under way and we will not comment further at this time."

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Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said in a post on X: "My thoughts are first and foremost with the pilots.

"We will provide further updates in due course."

Police have asked the public to avoid the area until further notice.

One eyewitness told North Wales Live he had seen the aircraft take off before the incident.

Pete Bennett 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."

Sky News