RAF Harrier T.10 crash at Akrotiri

[Le Addeur noir]

Yesterday (February 9th) a RAF Harrier T.10 airplane crashed on to the runway at RAF Akrotiri(LCRA) at 13.10Z(15.10 local time) following a reported fire in the airplane.

Both crew have ejected and received non life-threatining injuries.

Identity or operating unit of the crash jet not yet known,but 20(R)Sqn must rank as a prime candidate for the operating unit.

[Rockville]

RAF crew injured in Cyprus crash

Two RAF men have been injured after they were forced to eject from their Harrier aircraft, which crashed on to a runway in Cyprus.
The crew members, who have not been named, were involved in a training exercise at the Akrotiri base when it is believed the plane caught fire.
They were taken to hospital with "non-life-threatening" injuries, a UK forces spokeswoman said.
An investigation into the incident is under way.
The incident occurred just after 3.10pm local time (1.10pm GMT) , the spokeswoman said.
A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: "We can confirm that a Harrier aircraft crashed on to the runway at RAF Akrotiri on the afternoon of Monday February 9 during a training sortie.
"The two personnel on board both ejected safely. An air crash investigation team is being assembled, and their investigation will determine the facts.
"It would be inappropriate to speculate on the cause of the incident."
Akrotiri airfield opened in 1956 and is a permanent base for 84 Squadron, which performs search and rescue duties as well as supporting UN peacekeeping forces on the island.
The airfield is also used by the RAF for training and as a staging post for transport aircraft.
The Red Arrows display team also practises at the base from late March onward each year.

Story from BBC NEWS:
Published: 2009/02/09 16:49:14 GMT

[perrie]

Too bad about such a nice jet but most important: the crew ejected safely!
Per

[maurits]

Hi,

According a source on ukar-site Harrier T12 ZH656/104 from 20(R)sq should be mentioned as the crashed one.

Anyone confirm this?

Regards,

Maurits