The RAF jet crash in North Wales ended with both pilots surviving after ejecting moments before their Hawk T2 plunged towards the ground near homes.
ANGLESEY: Two Royal Air Force (RAF) pilots escaped with injuries believed to be minor after ejecting from a Hawk T2 training aircraft moments before it crashed near homes in North Wales on September 23, 2026.
The RAF jet crash happened in the Pencarnisiog area of Anglesey after the aircraft had been flying from nearby RAF Valley. Dramatic footage circulating online appears to show both pilots ejecting before the unmanned aircraft descends rapidly and crashes, producing a large fireball.
Pilots eject moments before impact
Video of the incident shows two parachutes opening after the pilots leave the aircraft. The Hawk T2 then continues towards the ground and appears to narrowly miss residential properties before crashing.
North Wales Police said the two pilots were being treated for what were believed to be minor injuries. Crucially, authorities reported no wider injuries or damage following the incident.
Emergency services, including fire, ambulance and air ambulance crews, responded to the scene. North Wales Fire and Rescue Service later confirmed that the resulting fire had been brought under control.
What happened to the Hawk T2?
The precise cause of the crash has not been established publicly, and an investigation is under way.
An eyewitness told media that the aircraft appeared to be experiencing problems shortly after take-off. However, the cause should not be inferred from eyewitness footage or accounts until investigators establish what happened.
The Hawk T2 is a two-seat advanced training aircraft used to prepare RAF pilots for operating high-performance combat aircraft. RAF Valley is a major training base for fast-jet pilots.
RAF pauses Hawk operations after crash
Following the RAF jet crash, the Royal Air Force announced that Hawk T1 and T2 operations had been temporarily paused as a precaution while investigations continue.
The measure also affects the Hawk T1 aircraft used by the Red Arrows, according to reporting on the operational pause.
The RAF said both pilots were receiving medical treatment and their families were being supported. No official conclusion about what caused the aircraft to crash has yet been announced.
Impact to expect
The temporary pause means Hawk flying operations will face disruption while investigators examine the circumstances surrounding the accident. The RAF jet crash will also place renewed attention on training safety and the investigation into why the aircraft went down so close to residential buildings.
