There has been another safety alert involving an RAF Hawk trainer which was forced to make an emergency landing at the civilian airfield on the Isle of Man.

The aircraft was on exercise over the Irish sea when it was forced to abort its mission and land immediately causing a full emergency response at the Airport.

This type of aircraft has had a somewhat chequered safety record. A number have been involved in fatal accidents on the Isle of Man, in Wales and in Cumbria. Over 25% of the total RAF fleet have been lost in accidents. Astonishingly the Ministry of Defence say the aircraft has a 'good safety record'.

The Celtic League have actively campaigned about the use of the aircraft in and around civil airports such as Ronaldsway (IOM) which is used for simulated landing and takeoffs. We have also pressed the MOD to introduce safety upgrades recommended by a safety enquiry following a fatal accident in Cumbria eight years ago. The MOD has refused to introduce the safety modifications which were called for.

The main base for the RAF Hawks is at (RAF) Valley on Anglesey and the aircraft also use a satellite airfield (RAF) Mona also on Anglesey. Both sites have been the location for many crashed aircraft and forced landings over the years.

Paradoxically, the latest incident occurred just twenty-four hours after the Celtic League suggested that there might be an increased level of incidents involving military aircraft as a series of exercises got under way over Wales, S W Scotland and the Irish sea.

J B Moffatt

Director of Information Celtic League 30/10/08

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