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RAF jets avoid collision with unknown aircraft

Two RAF Hawk jets narrowly escaped a crash with a non-communicating civilian plane over Wales.

July 22, 2025 at 06:07 AM
blur Two RAF Hawk jets in collision alert with unidentified aircraft over Wales

Two RAF Hawk jets nearly collided with an unknown plane over Wales due to lack of communication.

RAF jets narrowly avoid collision with unidentified civilian aircraft

Two RAF Hawk jets almost collided with an unidentified civilian aircraft over Anglesey, Wales earlier this year. The incident occurred on January 30 when the civilian plane, operated by an unknown pilot, failed to communicate with air traffic control or activate its transponder. The military jets flew just 150 feet above and 100 feet to the side of the civilian aircraft, categorizing the risk of collision as "medium." Fortunately, there were no reported injuries. The quick response of the Hawk pilots enabled them to avoid a potential crash by maneuvering above the civilian craft after spotting it from a distance.

Key Takeaways

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Two RAF jets encountered an unidentified plane in poor visibility
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Incident categorized as medium risk for collision
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Civilian pilot did not communicate with air traffic control
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Hawk jets avoided collision by executing a maneuver
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Investigations revealed significant safety concerns
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Regulatory gaps may need addressing to enhance air safety

"The incident illustrates serious gaps in air traffic safety measures."

This highlights the need for better regulations in managing airspace.

"Crew recollection estimated a height separation of approximately 150ft."

This emphasizes how close the near miss really was and the potential for disaster.

"It is likely that if communication had been established, the situation would have been less dangerous."

This reflects the crucial role of communication in preventing aviation accidents.

"The information provided by the Approach controller was timely, proactive and accurate."

This underscores the importance of effective air traffic management even amid confusion.

This incident underlines significant concerns regarding air traffic safety, particularly regarding non-cooperating aircraft. The lack of communication and transponder usage by the unidentified pilot raises alarms not just about individual safety but also about regulatory compliance in airspace management. As air traffic becomes busier, clearer protocols and tighter regulations may be necessary to prevent similar near misses in the future.

Highlights

  • A near-miss incident raises urgent questions about air safety.
  • Communication failures could lead to tragic outcomes in aviation.
  • The skies are becoming increasingly congested and risky.
  • Regulations need to evolve to keep our skies safe.

Safety concerns highlighted by near-miss incident

The lack of communication and transponder activation by the civilian pilot raises serious concerns about regulations and airspace safety. Effective communication is crucial to prevent potential tragedies in increasingly congested skies.

The aviation community must prioritize communication and compliance to ensure safety in our skies.

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