Footage shows RAF jet explode on impact after Anglesey crash

Two RAF pilots were reportedly forced to eject from a training jet before it burst into flames as it crashed in Anglesey.

Terrifying footage captured the moment the plane nosedived before erupting into a fireball just moments later in the Pencarnisiog area on Wednesday (23 September).

The pilots had been at the helm of an RAF T2 Hawk and had just departed the RAF Valley station, which is situated nearby, when chaos unfolded in the sky.

Video shared on social media shows the jet hurtling towards the ground uncontrollably before smashing into what appeared to be a field.

The pair who were onboard the two-seat training jet are being treated for minor injuries in wake of the ordeal. It is believed that no one on the ground was hurt, according to current reports.

An onlooker who watched the inferno erupt claimed that he quickly realised the pilots were in trouble while watching them take off.

"I knew straight away that it was in trouble," local Pete Bennett told North Wales Live. "Right on take off there was an orange flame and as it accelerated it was basically on fire."

North Wales Police confirmed that officers are at the scene alongside members of the Royal Air Force and other emergency responders.

A spokesperson for the force 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.

"Please avoid the area until further notice."

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service said the blaze has now been 'brought under control', while also urging members of the public to avoid the Pencarnisiog area.

North Wales Live also reported that the RAF confirmed that both pilots ejected from the aircraft and were located shortly after the incident.

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."

Bennett told the local news outlet that he was 'shoreside' when he spotted the jet taking off and soon realised something sinister was unfolding.

"As it gained altitude the flame disappeared but it was clearly in trouble," he said. "It climbed at an aggressive pitch - like the pilot of trying to gain altitude.

"It pitched twice violently in the air and then there were two clear loud bangs. It was probably at around 800ft at this point. The pilots ejected and both parachutes opened."

He described watching 'a huge wall of fire and black smoke' billow from the wreckage after the aircraft crashed.

Another onlooker described hearing an 'enormous bang' before watching the two pilots eject, adding: "The jet nosedived into some fields followed by another explosion with a ball of flames and thick black smoke."

According to the RAF, Hawk T2's 'offer realistic training' to rookies and 'immerse pilots in complex tactical scenarios as part of the UK Military Flying Training System'.

It explains: "The BAe Systems Hawk T2 (or Hawk 128) is an aerobatic, two-seat training jet, designed with controls similar to the Typhoon fighter jet. The most advanced fast jet training for RAF pilots is conducted on the Hawk T2."

These aircraft, which are used in training to prepare pilots for complex tactical environments, are also kitted out with an 'advanced glass cockpit'.

RAF Valley is home to the No 4 Flying Training School, which trains pilots to fly fast jets. Prince William spent three years there while training to become a search and rescue pilot.