Red Arrows pilot left ‘a bit shaken’ after bird strike during Rhyl Airshow display damages cockpit canopy

The Red Arrows were forced to cut short their display at Rhyl today ‘a few minutes early’ than planned after the cockpit canopy of one jet was smashed following a reported bird strike.

Red 6 peeled away from the display team and headed back to Hawarden under an emergency 7700 squawk transponder code, meaning there was an emergency.

The Red Arrows are using Hawarden Airport as a base for their Rhyl Air Show displays this weekend.

Those on the ground waiting for the Red Arrows to return saw the jet land safely at Hawarden but with a shattered canopy just above the pilot’s head.

David Montenegro, Officer Commanding the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team said: “Steve (Ogston) the pilot of Red 6 is a bit shaken but well.”

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

Photo’s: Ben Stacey

The seven red Hawk T1 jets left Hawarden at 4.30pm for their second performance of the weekend at Rhyl airshow.

The team were due to arrive back at Hawarden at 5.10pm but just after 4.45pm Red 6 squawked the emergency 7700 transponder code.

That triggered a response from the onsite fire service at Hawarden Airport who were on hand as the jet landed, they helped the pilot from the cockpit.

A spokesman for the team said: “Thank you to everyone at this weekend’s Rhyl Airshow. We had to finish today’s RedArrows 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. 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 all of the well-wishes and many messages of support, asking about the pilot.”

Brilliant work landing this at Hawarden today after a bird strike over Rhyl, canopy shattered @DeesideDotCom @BBCWalesNews @SkyNews @itvnews pic.twitter.com/CmDM1cmGu8

— Dave (@daveb257) August 28, 2022

Well done to the @rafredarrows pilot for getting this one down safe at Hawarden after a bird strike. Certainly has taken a wallop. #redarrows #rhylairshow pic.twitter.com/M1MIM6y9I2

— JTW Aviation Images (@JTWAviationImag) August 28, 2022

A red arrow landing at Hawarden after the bird strike at Rhyl air show pic.twitter.com/bRXUT5TDUg

— Em 🌸 YNWA (@Emz__69) August 28, 2022

It’s the Red’s first visit to the airfield – next to Airbus Broughton – for some time as they use it for an overnight stopover.

It is also the first time in Rhyl Air Show’s history the Red Arrows have performed on both days.

The team is slightly reduced this year, Royal Air Force announced that Red Arrows are to fly with seven Hawk jets this air show season, because two members of the crew have moved to other positions in the air force.