'Missing Fuel Cap' Linked to £20m RAF Jet Crash Fireball
Investigators are examining whether a missing fuel cap contributed to the crash, while the two pilots suffered minor injuries after ejecting.
- An RAF Hawk T2 crashed near Rhosneigr, Anglesey, on September 23, 2026, with reports claiming the aircraft flew without a fuel cap. The Defence Accident Investigation Branch is investigating the incident.
- The £20 million aircraft was on its first test flight after repairs when it experienced erratic movement moments after taking off from RAF Valley. Two pilots ejected with minor injuries before the jet plummeted nose-first into the ground.
- Richard Owen, owner of Afallon Caravan Park, said the tail section blew off and landed near one of his caravans. He expressed relief that most of his 30 caravans were empty during the incident.
- A source told The Sun the missing fuel cap was a "pretty poor indicator of standards and could speak of wider problems." Investigators are examining whether the oversight caused the accident.
- Built by BAE Systems, the Hawk T2 is a "high-performance, two-seat training jet" designed to prepare RAF pilots for complex tactical environments. The Defence Accident Investigation Branch continues its formal inquiry.
19 Articles
19 Articles
RAF jet which burst into flames was 'flying without fuel cap' as new details emerge
An RAF jet which burst into flames last month was said to have taken off without a fuel cap. New details have emerged after two pilots were left injured as the Hawk T2 training jet turned into a fireball and took a nosedive near a military base in Wales in September.Investigators launched an inquiry shortly after the crash, which saw the aircraft engulfed in a massive fireball as plumes of black smoke billowed into the sky. Preliminary findings …
'Missing fuel cap' caused £20m RAF jet crash near caravan park
The RAF Hawk T2 erupted in a massive fireball near RAF Valley in September, with two pilots steering the stricken aircraft away from nearby buildings before ejecting safely as investigators examine a missing fuel cap as a significant part of their inquiry
'Missing fuel cap' blamed for RAF jet crashing into fireball
The £20m Hawk T2 erupted in a massive fireball following the crash in September, with the two pilots steering the aircraft away from nearby buildings before ejecting as the plane exploded close to RAF Valley in North Wales
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