A presentation by the Red Arrows, a demonstration team of the British Royal Air Force (RAF) was interrupted on Sunday (28), in Wales, after one of the planes collided with a bird. Images show that the jet's front windshield (canopy) was broken and bloodied.
The incident, commonly referred to as a “bird strike” in the aviation world, occurred during a demonstration at the Rhyl Air Show. Aircraft number 6, called Red 6, collided with a bird.
When Goose & Hawk collide: Bird-strike on Red 6 yesterday. And only the genius flying skills of its pilot prevented a disaster.. #RedArrows pic.twitter.com/9EhTAOd1js
— Trevor Beattie (@trevorbmbagency) August 29, 2022
The force of the impact was sufficient to break the front canopy of the Hawk T.1A jet, forcing the pilot, Squadron Leader Gregor Ogston, to declare an emergency.
The performance was aborted and the crew returned to Hawarden Airport, which served as the base for that show. Shortly afterwards, images showing the damaged aircraft surfaced on social media.
ADVERTISING — Ian C (@IAmAnIanIAm) August 28, 2022
On Twitter, the commander of 'smoke squadron British Air Force', Wing Commander David Montenegro, said his colleague was fine but "a little shaken" by the incident. “His prompt actions executed calmly and correctly with the of his colleagues ensured a safe outcome”, said the officer.
Steve, the pilot @rafred_6 is a bit shaken but well, thank you. His immediate actions delivered calmly and correctly with the of his colleagues ensured a safe outcome. #RedArrows #teamwork #RhylAirShow2022 https://t.co/fMteBki3Mh
ADVERTISING — David Montenegro (@pilotmontyuk) August 28, 2022
On the same network, the team's profile highlighted that “This type of incident is not uncommon in aviation and is extremely well trained.” In fact, bird strikes happen with a certain frequency and cause a series of damages, as in the case of Red 6, which could even have been injured.
In Brazil, an F-5 fighter pilot, Major-Aviator Glauco Constantino, was blinded after colliding with a vulture, as shown in a Rede Globo documentary.
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!
—Red Arrows (@rafredarrows) August 28, 2022
As noted by The Aviationist, the incident also occurs as the Red Arrows experience an unprecedented crisis. A pilot was expelled because of an alleged affair with another military member, while a second aviator resigned due to the “toxic culture” of the team itself. According to The Sun, a third driver dropped out in January for personal reasons, but was replaced.
“This is a disaster for the RAF”, said a former pilot to the portal. "The Red Arrows are their face and audiences love them, but they have no idea what's going on behind the scenes."
In this way, the team that normally flies with nine aircraft is performing with only seven, which prevents certain maneuvers with full formation from being performed at the shows.
With information aerotime, The Aviationist e The Sun.
