Red Arrows crash: RAF engineer dead and pilot in hospital after Hawk aircraft crashes at base in Wales

Ella Wills20 March 2018

An RAF engineer has died after a Red Arrows jet crashed at a base in Wales.

The pilot of the Hawk aircraft survived and is receiving medical treatment, the RAF confirmed.

It is understood the Red Arrows aircrew had been at RAF Valley for routine Hawk simulator training - something that takes place once a month.

Emergency services including an air ambulance rushed to the scene after they received a call about the incident at 1.30pm.

Witnesses reported seeing a "big fireball" after the jet crashed on Tuesday, and some suggested they saw one person eject from the aircraft.

Wreckage after the Hawk jet crashed in Wales
PA

RAF station commander Nick Tucker-Lowe said in a statement on Tuesday: “It is with great sadness that the Royal Air Force can confirm the death of an engineer from the Royal Air Force acrobatic team, the Red Arrows, in a tragic accident today.

“The engineer’s family have been informed and have asked for a 24 hour period of grace before further details are released.

“The pilot of the aircraft survived the incident and is currently receiving medical care.”

The Ministry of Defence had confirmed the aircraft was involved in the accident at the Anglesey base, where pilots and aircrew are trained.

Emergency services rushed to the scene at around 1.30pm on Tuesday
PA

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said: "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and colleagues of the RAF engineer at this incredibly sad time."

Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier said the incident was "a reminder that we must never take for granted the risks our people take in the service of our country".

"My deepest thoughts are with the friends and family of those involved at this terrible time," he added.

North Wales Police said it will launch a full investigation led by the Air Accident Investigation Branch to establish what caused the event.

Witnesses had spoken of the moment they heard the crash.

Caterer Anne Wilson, 52, ho works near to the scene described the immediate aftermath, saying she heard a "loud noise".

She said: "I did not see the crash but I heard a very loud noise - we are used to the planes going over but this was unusual.

An engineer died in the crash, the RAF confirmed
PA

"I did go and have a look and there was a big fireball and lots of smoke... quite a few of the members actually saw it.

"They said the plane came in quite steeply and saw a pilot eject, but that it was very low to the ground when they ejected."

Sian Rebecca Williams, an 18-year-old student from Rhosneigr, north Wales, said she was waiting at Rhosneigr train station when the jet flew overhead.

"The Red Arrow came over and because I'd hardly seen one before I thought 'Wow, it's out'," she told the Press Association.

Witnesses reported seeing a fireball after the incident
PA

"From what I remember it did a loop and flew towards the runway and looked like it was about to land.

"As I was looking I saw the parachute of one pilot open and then the plane hit the runway with a bang and a crumbling noise.

"Then it just burned bright orange and there was smoke everywhere."

The on-base fire engine drove out to the wreckage "instantly", she said, putting the flames out before an air ambulance arrived.

A spokeswoman for the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust confirmed an emergency ambulance and an air ambulance were sent to the scene after they were called at 1.30pm.

North Wales Police said in a statement: At 1.50pm this afternoon, Tuesday March 20, North Wales Police and other local Emergency Services responded to calls for assistance from RAF Valley in Anglesey following the reports of an incident at the base.

"Police and Crime Scene investigators supported by other specialists will now begin a joint and full investigation led by the Air Accident Investigation Branch to establish what led up to and caused this tragic event.

"Until that time it would be inappropriate to add anything further. The Coroner for north west Wales will also be informed."

The world-famous aerobatic team performs stunts and daredevil displays, and fly the distinctive Hawk-fast jets.

Based at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire, all Red Arrows pilots have flown operationally in frontline aircraft before joining the display team.

North Wales Police has appealed for information from the public and local communities who are urged to contact the force via the live web chat or by phoning 101.

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