'Potential For Disaster' Between RAF Typhoons

Library photo of RAF Typhoons

Two typhoons came so close whilst refuelling from a tanker that "the potential for disaster was self-evident".

A report found that a typhoon climbed into airspace occupied by another, leading to one pilot having to take evasive action to avoid a collision.

The incident occurred whilst five typhoons were refuelling from an RAF Voyager 25,000ft up on February 28.

After one of the fighter jets was released following refuelling, the pilot unknowingly flew within 1000ft of another jet.

As the pilot was on a different frequency to the other Typhoons he was, therefore, was not aware of his actions until he was debriefed back at base.

According to the Airprox report, members of the board investigating felt that pure luck was the only thing that prevented a collision.

The typhoons were refuelling just off the coast of Yorkshire when the incident occurred. 

The risk of an accident occurring was assessed as "very high."