RAF pilots eject from training jet before crash in Wales

Two Royal Air Force pilots successfully ejected from a Hawk T2 training jet before it crashed in a fireball near Anglesey, Wales, on Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026. The aircraft had taken off from RAF Valley in northwestern Wales prior to the incident.

Both pilots survived and are reported to be in good condition. The RAF stated, “Both pilots are doing well, they are in extremely good spirits and expected to make a full recovery.”

A formal investigation into the cause of the crash is currently underway. As a precautionary measure, the RAF has temporarily suspended Hawk T1 and Hawk T2 flying operations. The Hawk T2 is a high-performance, two-seat training jet used to prepare pilots for tactical combat conditions.