Probe launched after RAF Typhoon jettisons canopy following mid-air emergency

The Royal Air Force has launched an investigation after a suspected bird strike resulted in a piece of an aircraft being jettisoned by its pilot.

During a flight, a canopy from an XI (F) Squadron Typhoon aircraft from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire was lost when an emergency took place in the air. 

An RAF spokesperson said: "The aircraft recovered safely to RAF Coningsby and the pilot is fine."

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"On 23 January, a canopy from an XI (F) Sqn Typhoon aircraft from RAF Coningsby was jettisoned by the pilot following an in-flight emergency," said the RAF.

The canopy, the transparent cover shielding the cockpit, was reportedly released by the pilot due to a suspected bird strike.

A bird strike is defined as a collision between a bird and an aircraft.

An investigation has been launched to discover the cause.

A similar incident happened when an F-35 aircraft flying over north Wales collided with a bird during a training flight on 20 January. In that instance, the aircraft was able to return to base.

Furthermore, on 17 January, a pylon from another RAF Coningsby-based Typhoon reportedly fell off in mid-air. No one was injured in either situation.