A Red Arrows pilot has spoken out after a bird smashed into his plane's cockpit canopy mid-display. The Rhyl Air Show was brought to an abrupt end on Sunday (August 28) when Red 6 pilot Steve Ogston was immediately forced to break away from his formation, accompanied by Red 7 to ensure a safe landing back at to Hawarden Airport.
Hundreds of spectators were looking on for the show's finale and eyewitnesses reported hearing a "loud pop" on impact. Now, following the incident, Squadron Leader Steve last night took to Twitter to express his thanks to everyone who has sent messages of support and said he was looking forward to displaying again in the future.
He said: "Thank you to everyone for the kind messages and good wishes. As ever, our well rehearsed emergency procedures, togetherness and training resulted in a safe outcome - true teamwork.
Looking forward to displaying for you all again very soon." Read more:Councillor says police officer 'laughed' after he reported death threat at Manchester Pride Steve added: "Particular thanks to @rafred7 for escorting me back to the airfield and to the emergency services at Hawarden airport for their speedy response and assistance." Images shared with North Wales Live show debris from both the canopy and feathers from the bird, who sadly did not survive, as the collision happened.
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