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IMAGES have highlighted the dramatic extent of the damage caused to a Royal Air Force (RAF) Red Arrows aircraft after it was hit by a bird at yesterday’s Rhyl Air Show (August 28).
The display team were due to bring the two-day show to a close at 5pm, just as they did successfully on Saturday.
But their display was cut short after one of the jets, Red 6, was struck by a bird.
The aircraft comes in for an emergency landing back at Hawarden Airport. Photo: @welshiedale2022 / Twitter
Many spectators said they heard a bang or a pop before the aircraft was forced to land early at Hawarden Airport, where the Red Arrows were based for the show.
Thankfully, the Red 6 pilot, Steve, has been reported as being “a bit shaken but well”.
The pilot was fortunately unharmed. Photo: @welshiedale2022 / Twitter
Red Arrows tweeted at 8.45pm last night: “Thank you to everyone at this weekend’s Rhyl Air Show.
“We had to finish today’s 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.
The Red Arrows also performed a display on Saturday at the Rhyl Air Show. Photo: @welshiedale2022 / Twitter
“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 the many well wishes and messages.”
Eyewitnesses said they heard a loud bang or popping sound. Photo: @welshiedale2022 / Twitter
David Montenegro, the officer Commanding the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, added: “Steve, the pilot is a bit shaken but well.
“His immediate actions, delivered calmly and correctly with the support of his colleagues, ensured a safe outcome.”
Another eyewitness said they heard the call “mayday, mayday, mayday”. Photo: @welshiedale2022 / Twitter
Photographer Cody Froggatt was watching the display and said he heard a large bang and then the call “mayday, mayday, mayday”.
Cody said: “I can’t stress enough how bad this was.
“In 12 years of attending many international air shows this was the worst bird strike I’ve ever seen.”
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Huge crowds gathered along Rhyl’s seafront for both days of the Rhyl Air Show, which also saw displays from the likes of RAF Typhoon, the Calidus Autogyro, Team Raven Aerobatic Display Team, Silver Stars Parachute Display Team, and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
There were also demonstrations from the RAF military dogs.
