This is the terrifying moment a bid crashed into a Red Arrows jet, causing the plane's cockpit canopy to smash mid-show. The renowned RAF aerobatic team had their performance at Rhyl Air Show 2022 cut short following the incident on Sunday, August 29.
It occurred just as the world-famous aviators were bringing their trademark display to a close, according to Wales Online. After the cockpit of Red 6 was destroyed by the collision, pilot Steve Ogston, was forced to break away from the formation, with another jet following closely behind to ensure a safe landing back at Hawarden Airport near Chester.
The jet strike was witnessed by hundreds of horrified onlookers, with attendees reporting hearing a "loud pop" as the bird flew into aircraft. Photos taken during the smash show debris from the canopy and feathers from the bird exploding into the sky from the jet.
Pilot Steve Ogston was later praised by David Montenegro, the officer commanding the Royal Air Force Aerobatic team, who said his immediate actions were "delivered calmly and correctly", ensuring the safety of the rest of the team, reports North Wales Live. The pilot of the red Hawk T1 jet managed to safely fly it back to Hawarden airfield, located at Airbus Broughton, where they were based over the weekend for their two day display at Rhyl Airshow. The pilot was thankfully unharmed.
Following the bird strike, a spokesman for the RAF Red Arrows team said: “Thank you to everyone at this weekend’s Rhyl Airshow. We had to finish the Red Arrows display a few minutes early after one of our jets suffered a bird strike, damaging the cockpit canopy. This type of incident is not uncommon in aviation and is extremely well-trained for.
"In this instance, Red 6 and the whole team responded perfectly together, with no further risk to the pilot and aircraft. Happy to report the jet landed safely and the pilot is unhurt. Thank you for all of the well-wishes and many messages of support, asking about the pilot.”
All pilots were given a hero's welcome back at base, with bystanders giving them a round of applause as they disembarked following their slightly early return. The jet, which costs around £5 million, is expected to remain at Hawarden where it will undergo an 'intensive inspection' and repair works before rejoining the team at their RAF Scampton base in Lincolnshire.
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