Pilots of crashed RAF jet thank emergency services
Two RAF pilots who ejected out of a jet moments before it crashed and burst into flames have thanked emergency services after returning home.
The Hawk T2 aircraft plummeted to the ground in Pencarnisiog, Anglesey, narrowly avoiding homes after flying out of the nearby RAF Valley station last Wednesday.
A trainee and an experienced professional parachuted out of their plane and are expected to make a full recovery after being treated for minor injuries.
The pilots thanked those who supported them in the immediate aftermath of the incident and are now recuperating, RAF Valley said.
Danni Jones
Danni Jones"They are also deeply grateful for the kindness, encouragement and well wishes received from people across the world, and in particular their RAF colleagues and the people of Ynys Môn," RAF Valley said.
"The support shown over the past week has meant a great deal to the pilots and their families as they begin their recovery at home," they said, asking people to respect the privacy of those involved.
Eyewitnesses described how the plane came down near village homes, with debris ending up near a caravan site.
An air force commander said last week that "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".
High-speed Hawk fighter jet training was temporarily paused as a "precautionary measure" in the aftermath of the crash, the RAF said, while investigations were ongoing.
