RAF Hawk T1 and T2s grounded for investigation following crash on training flight in North Wales

The RAF has paused Hawk T1 and T2 flying operations as a precautionary measure after a Hawk T2 training jet crashed while operating out of RAF Valley in North Wales on Wednesday.

BFBS Forces News understands both pilots ejected and were located shortly after the incident. Both were treated for minor injuries.

"Both pilots are doing well, they are in extremely good spirits and expected to make a full recovery," the RAF said in a statement.

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"A formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident is now underway and as a precautionary measure, the RAF has temporarily paused Hawk T1 and Hawk T2 flying operations."

The pause implicates the Red Arrows as they fly the Hawk T1 jet.

The two pilots involved in the crash were a trainee and a highly experienced instructor, according to Group Captain Jez Currie, the Station Commander at RAF Valley.

He told the BBC that the T2 was on a routine sortie across the Anglesey area, adding that it was the first time he had ever experienced such an incident in the two-and-a-half years as Station Commander and 30 years as an air traffic controller.

Gp Capt Currie also spoke of the defensive actions the pilots would have put in place to avoid civilian casualties.

"The aircraft would have been aimed in a direction that the pilot believed was open field, in order to avoid built-up areas and anybody on the ground," he said.