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Red Arrows jet's cockpit canopy smashed by bird at Rhyl Airshow

@welshiedale2022 The plane that struck a bird@welshiedale2022
The jet was struck by a bird as the Red Arrows were closing the Rhyl Airshow on Sunday

A Red Arrows aircraft had its cockpit canopy smashed when it was hit by a bird during a display at Rhyl Airshow.

David Montenegro, commanding officer of the Red Arrows, tweeted that the pilot of Red 6 was "a bit shaken but well".

Wing Cdr Montenegro said: "His immediate actions delivered calmly and correctly with the support of his colleagues ensured a safe outcome."

The incident happened on Sunday as the Red Arrows were closing the show in Denbighshire.

The Red Arrows said on Twitter: "Thank you to everyone at this weekend's Rhyl Airshow. We had to finish today's Red Arrows display a few minutes early after one of our jets suffered a bird strike, damaging the cockpit canopy.

"This type of incident is not uncommon in aviation and is extremely well-trained for.

"In this instance, Red 6 and the whole team responded perfectly together, with no further risk to the pilot and aircraft.

"Happy to report the jet landed safely and the pilot is unhurt."

@welshiedale2022 The plane that was struck by a bird at the airshow@welshiedale2022
The plane that was struck by a bird at the airshow
@welshiedale2022 The bird striking the plane@welshiedale2022