IMAGES have highlighted the dramatic extent of the damage caused to a Royal Air Force (RAF) Red Arrows aircraft after it was hit by a bird at yesterday’s Rhyl Air Show (August 28).

The display team were due to bring the two-day show to a close at 5pm, just as they did successfully on Saturday.

But their display was cut short after one of the jets, Red 6, was struck by a bird.

North Wales Pioneer: The aircraft comes in for an emergency landing back at Hawarden Airport. Photo: @welshiedale2022 / TwitterThe aircraft comes in for an emergency landing back at Hawarden Airport. Photo: @welshiedale2022 / Twitter

Many spectators said they heard a bang or a pop before the aircraft was forced to land early at Hawarden Airport, where the Red Arrows were based for the show.

Thankfully, the Red 6 pilot has been reported as being “a bit shaken but well”.

North Wales Pioneer: The pilot was fortunately unharmed. Photo: @welshiedale2022 / TwitterThe pilot was fortunately unharmed. Photo: @welshiedale2022 / Twitter

Red Arrows tweeted at 8.45pm last night: “Thank you to everyone at this weekend’s Rhyl Air Show.

“We had to finish today’s Red Arrows display a few minutes early after one of our jets suffered a bird strike, damaging the cockpit canopy.

“This type of incident is not uncommon in aviation and is extremely well-trained for.

North Wales Pioneer: The Red Arrows also performed a display on Saturday at the Rhyl Air Show. Photo: @welshiedale2022 / TwitterThe Red Arrows also performed a display on Saturday at the Rhyl Air Show. Photo: @welshiedale2022 / Twitter

“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.”

North Wales Pioneer: Eyewitnesses said they heard a loud bang or popping sound. Photo: @welshiedale2022 / TwitterEyewitnesses said they heard a loud bang or popping sound. Photo: @welshiedale2022 / Twitter

David Montenegro, the officer commanding the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, added: “The pilot is a bit shaken but well.

“His immediate actions, delivered calmly and correctly with the support of his colleagues, ensured a safe outcome.”

North Wales Pioneer: Another eyewitness said they heard the call "mayday, mayday, mayday". Photo: @welshiedale2022 / TwitterAnother eyewitness said they heard the call "mayday, mayday, mayday". Photo: @welshiedale2022 / Twitter

Photographer Cody Froggatt was watching the display and said he heard a large bang and then the call “mayday, mayday, mayday”.

Cody said: "I can't stress enough how bad this was.

“In 12 years of attending many international air shows this was the worst bird strike I've ever seen.”

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North Wales Pioneer: Grey, black smoke coming from the aircraft after the bird strike, as taken by a resident of Upper Foel Road, DyserthGrey, black smoke coming from the aircraft after the bird strike, as taken by a resident of Upper Foel Road, Dyserth

Another eyewitness, who took the above photo from Dyserth, added: "It looked like two Red Arrows left the display at some point, then I heard the noise of them behind me.

"I looked up towards the mountain, which is directly behind my home, and noticed one Red Arrow flying by with grey, black smoke, followed by a second Red Arrow with grey, black smoke.

"I'm not sure, but think that colour of smoke might be to indicate that one of them has an issue and informs the rest of the squad.

"I'm glad the pilot is OK."

Huge crowds gathered along Rhyl’s seafront for both days of the Rhyl Air Show, which also saw displays from the likes of RAF Typhoon, the Calidus Autogyro, Team Raven Aerobatic Display Team, Silver Stars Parachute Display Team, and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

There were also demonstrations from the RAF military dogs.