RAF display planes collide
Two jets from the British Royal Air Force’s Red Arrows aerobatics team collided over the island of Crete in the southern Aegean during a training exercise yesterday, resulting in the injury of one of the pilots. It is believed the Hawk jets clipped their wings while attempting an aerial maneuver over Kastelli air force base, near the port of Hania. One pilot dislocated his shoulder after ejecting from his aircraft, which was seriously damaged when it crashed onto the runway, while the second pilot managed to land his plane safely, officials said. The remaining jets in the squadron landed safely at Iraklio Airport, some 35 kilometers from the Kastelli base. There was no official statement on the cause of the collision. But defense officials said the display team – known for its breathtaking formations and trademark red, white and blue vapor trails – had been trying out new formations.
