Red Arrows jet is forced to make an emergency landing at an air show as a bird shatters the cockpit of a £5 million plane.
A large portion of the cockpit was destroyed when a bird struck the plane.
Witnesses heard a ‘loud pop’ prior to the plane being forced to deviate from its course.
Pilot Gregor Ogston landed safely and was described as “shaken” but otherwise unharmed.
A bird shattered the cockpit of a £5 million plane, halting a Red Arrows air demonstration over tens of thousands of spectators.
Red 6 was forced to break away from the formation after the dramatic shattering of its glass cockpit.
Witnesses heard a ‘loud pop’ before the plane was forced to deviate from its trajectory as thousands on the ground observed the unfolding drama.
During the display, pilot Gregor Ogston transmitted a “emergency 7700 squawk transponder code” to indicate a problem.
The Red Arrows were the main attraction during the Rhyl Air Show in North Wales in 2022.
Red 6’s comrades continued to fly over the coastal town until they gained permission to return to the airport in Hawarden.
The bird struck the top of the cockpit, shattering a substantial portion of the windshield.
When the bird struck Gregor Ogston’s plane, he was forced to split out from the rest of the formation.
The dismayed crowd was informed that Red 6 was the victim of a “bird strike,” in which a bird collided with the jet in midair.
It struck the part of the glass cockpit of the £5 million jet within inches of the pilot.
It shattered the window, exposing the pilot to the elements through a large hole.
A witness stated, “That pilot is fortunate to be alive.” In that instant, anything could have occurred – Top Gun for real.’
A representative for the RAF Red Arrows stated, “Thank you to everyone who attended the Rhyl Airshow this weekend.” Due to a bird attack that damaged the cockpit canopy of one of our aircraft, we had to conclude today’s Red Arrows demonstration a few minutes early.
This type of occurrence is typical in aviation and pilots are well-prepared for it. In this circumstance, Red 6 and the entire team performed flawlessly as a unit, preventing any more danger to the pilot and aircraft.
Despite being exposed to the elements throughout the return flight to base, the pilot was able to complete an emergency landing.
Gregor Ogston landed safely and was described as “shaken” but otherwise unhurt.
“I am pleased to inform that the jet landed safely and the pilot is unharmed.” Thank you for the many expressions of support and well wishes regarding the pilot.’
The pilot of the impacted aircraft is reportedly “a little disturbed” after the occurrence. David Montenegro, the officer in charge of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic team, responded to the RAF Red Arrows’ social media post by praising the pilot’s actions.
Officer Commanding the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, David Montenegro, stated that the pilot of Red 6 is a bit frightened but otherwise well.
His swift actions, executed with composure and accuracy with the aid of his coworkers, ensured a safe outcome.
Sunday around 4.30 p.m., seven red Hawk T1 planes departed Hawarden for their second performance of the weekend at the Rhyl airshow.
The squad was scheduled to return to Hawarden at 5:10 p.m., but around 4:45 p.m., Red 6 transmitted the emergency 7700 transponder signal.
As the plane touched down at Hawarden Airport, the airport’s fire department responded to the incident.
Red 6 was accompanied to the airport by a teammate to ensure a safe return trip and landing.
The other pilots were accorded a hero’s welcome upon their return to Hawarden, and bystanders applauded as they disembarked.