Incidents 2021 » Airport Fire Officers Association

Royal Navy Hawk crashes in Cornwall

The scene near RAF Culdrose in Cornwall where an RAF Hawk jet is believed to have crashed

Witnesses described two crew being “safely ejected” from the plane using parachutes and an investigation has now been launched.

Two medical helicopters were also reported near Lizard’s Point in Cornwall, the most southerly point of the British mainland.

A statement from the Ministry of Defence said: “Two pilots are being checked by medics after ejecting from a Royal Navy Hawk aircraft from 736 Naval Air Squadron during a flight from RNAS Culdrose. An investigation will begin in due course. We won’t be providing further detail at this time.”

The Telegraph understands the aircraft in question was a Hawk T2 variant – based from RAF Valley in Anglesey, with the Red Arrows – and the only remaining Hawk in service after the T1 was cut in the defence review.

It was part of the 736 Naval Air Squadron, flying from Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose and the crash happened near there.

Both pilots ejected and their injuries are unknown, but they were seen walking away, according to sources.

It is understood the plane crashed on land.

The 736 is an aggressor squadron, and are regularly used to simulate enemy fighter jets to test the Navy’s vessels’ operational readiness.

These drills – known as Thursday War – occur on Thursdays, and it is likely that the Hawk was part of these training exercises.

Devon and Cornwall Police said: “Emergency services are currently in the St Martins area of Helston following reports of a plane crash. Public are asked to avoid the area whilst first responders attend the scene.

“Two people have been treated by ambulance at the scene and will now be taken to hospital. Their injuries are not currently thought to be life threatening or changing.”

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