A Red Arrows pilot has spoken out after a bird smashed into his plane's cockpit canopy mid-display. The Rhyl Air Show was brought to an abrupt end on Sunday (August 28) when Red 6 pilot Steve Ogston was immediately forced to break away from his formation, accompanied by Red 7 to ensure a safe landing back at to Hawarden Airport.
Hundreds of spectators were looking on for the show's finale and eyewitnesses reported hearing a "loud pop" on impact. Now, following the incident, Squadron Leader Steve last night took to Twitter to express his thanks to everyone who has sent messages of support and said he was looking forward to displaying again in the future.
He said: "Thank you to everyone for the kind messages and good wishes. As ever, our well rehearsed emergency procedures, togetherness and training resulted in a safe outcome - true teamwork. Looking forward to displaying for you all again very soon."
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Steve added: "Particular thanks to @rafred7 for escorting me back to the airfield and to the emergency services at Hawarden airport for their speedy response and assistance." Images shared with North Wales Live show debris from both the canopy and feathers from the bird, who sadly did not survive, as the collision happened.
The pilot 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. The red Hawk T1 jet managed to safely fly to 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. 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 Hawarden and treated to a round of applause by bystanders as they disembarked following their slightly early return. The £5m pound jet was expected to remain at Hawarden to undergo an 'intensive inspection' and repair works, before rejoining the team at their RAF Scampton base in Lincolnshire.
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