Timeline of events surrounding jet crash near RAF Valley

The incident took place at around 1pm, with footage of the crash quickly circulating on social media as eyewitnesses describing a “massive bang”, parachutes in the air, and a black plume of smoke rising from the mountainside near Rhosneigr.

The crash site near Rhosneigr (Image: Jac McGuigan)

Footage of the crash shows the pilots eject shortly after seemingly losing control of the erratic T2 Hawk, which can then be seen plummeting into a field causing a huge explosion.

One crash witness said they could "see flames as it took off" and that the plane "started to pitch up violently twice, then both pilots ejected and the Hawk crash about a mile away".

A major emergency service response followed, with North Wales Police, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service (NWFRS), Wales Air Ambulance, Welsh Ambulance Service and the Coastguard all attending the scene.

The explosion immediately after the jet crashed (Image: Danni Jones)

At least two air ambulance helicopters were at the scene, with NWFRS later saying they had bought the crash site fire "under control".

The crash led to significant public concern regarding the fate of the pilots, with the RAF saying they were located shortly after landing and were being supported and treated for minor injuries.

Screengrab from the viral video of the jet crash shared on social media. (Image: John Heyworth)

After the pilots' safety had been secured, the Royal Air Force said it had launched an investigation into the incident, confirming the crash was shortly after the jet's take-off from RAF Valley.

Images then emerged showing the crash site, with the jet broken into several pieces, an area of land charred, and emergency response teams at the site.

Later that day, the RAF said it had paused its Hawk T1 and T2 operations "as a precautionary measure".

Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said: "We are investigating how and why this happened but for now our best wishes go to the crew along with our hopes for a speedy recovery."

No further details have been released regarding the Ministry of Defence investigation into the incident.