RAF Hawk jet crashes after taking off without fuel cap

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 07:32 · Archive

An RAF Hawk T2 jet crashed near a caravan park in north Wales after taking off without its fuel cap, though investigators have not confirmed this was the cause.

An RAF Hawk T2 jet worth £20 million crashed near a caravan park in Anglesey on 23 September after taking off from RAF Valley without its fuel cap. The aircraft was airborne for only 20 seconds before plummeting into farmland near Rhosneigr. The two pilots managed to direct the jet away from buildings before ejecting and parachuting to safety with only minor injuries. The plane nose-dived and exploded into a fireball, scattering debris across Afallon Caravan Park.

Investigators have established that the fuel cap was missing, with sources indicating the ground crew were responsible. One source told the media that while valves in jet fuel inlets would have prevented fuel spilling outwards, the missing cap was 'a pretty poor indicator of standards and could speak of wider problems'. Another source questioned broader safety standards, saying 'This plane should never have taken off without its fuel cap'.

The RAF confirmed the missing fuel cap is being investigated but has not stated whether it was the main cause of the crash. Some sources close to the matter have suggested a major engine failure may have been responsible instead. Group Captain Gez Currie, station commander at RAF Anglesey, commended the pilots for steering the aircraft away from built-up areas before ejecting.

How it is being reported

• 'Missing fuel cap' blamed after £20 million RAF jet bursts into flames near caravan parkThe aircraft was in the air for only 20 seconds before it came crashing into farmland - the two pilots managed to direct the aircraft away from buildings before ejectingThe Mirror · 20 Oct, 07:11
• RAF jet that crashed into the ground and exploded near caravan park 'was flying without fuel cap'The Hawk T2, reportedly on its first test flight after repairs, failed just moments after taking off from RAF Valley in north Wales last month.Daily Mail · 20 Oct, 01:03

In this story: RAF Valley · Anglesey · RAF · Afallon Caravan Park · Rhosneigr · Gez Currie

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