Red Arrows pilot triggers emergency alert after bird strike

A Hawk T1 aircraft experienced difficulties mid-flight after hitting a bird.

The aircraft had been flying at 2,300ft over the East Midlands when the bird strike happened at 08:40 on Wednesday.

The incident triggered a Red Arrow emergency alert – 7700 – which is a special code used to tell air traffic control facilities in the area that there is an emergency situation.

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The Royal Air Force confirmed the plane had to be rescued following the incident but the pilot was unharmed.

A spokesperson said: "A Red Arrows Hawk T1  aircraft had a very minor bird strike... resulting in a precautionary recovery to  RAF Waddington.

"The aircraft landed safely and the pilot is fine."

Last month, Sqn Ldr Ogston was presented with the RAF's top safety award, a Green Endorsement, after he safely managed to land his aircraft after a bird strike smashed his cockpit canopy during the Rhyl Air Show.