One Pilot Ejected Safely, The Other Aircraft Was Able To Land

Two of the Hawk jets from the RAF's Red Arrows precision aerobatic team collided during practice over Crete Tuesday. Both pilots survived the incident, though the one who was forced to eject from his aircraft suffered a dislocated shoulder and other minor injuries. One aircraft  went down and was badly damaged. The other had minor damage and landed safely

Video Capture Red Arrows Aircraft Damage

The Times of London reports that this was the first such accident involving the aerobatic team in 40 years. The team was practicing in anticipation of the upcoming air show season at the Hellenic Air Force Base Lastelli in Crete, according to an RAF spokesman.

Flight Lieutenant Mike Ling was the pilot forced to eject. His aircraft went down on the runway, and was described as "severely damaged on impact."

File Photo

It was unknown how the incident would affect the team's air show schedule. The MoD spokesman said “The 2010 season training will continue as soon as possible.” Nine aircraft actively fly during air shows, but a 10th aircraft is kept in reserve in case of technical issues.

FMI: www.raf.mod.uk/reds/