RAF pauses Hawk flying after Anglesey crash

The RAF has announced a temporary pause in Hawk T1 and Hawk T2 flying after the crash near RAF Valley on Anglesey. It described the decision as a precaution while a formal investigation examines the incident.

Both pilots expected to recover

In its 24 September update, the RAF said both pilots were doing well and were expected to make a full recovery. It did not identify them or give a date for flying to resume.

The Ministry of Defence had confirmed that both crew members ejected when the Hawk T2 went down shortly after take-off on 23 September. They were taken to hospital for treatment.

What the pause establishes

The RAF’s statement covers both Hawk variants, although the aircraft involved in the crash was a T2. It does not establish the cause of the accident or say that all RAF flying has stopped. The investigation, rather than the precautionary pause itself, is intended to establish what happened.