Two Finnish Air Force Midnight Hawks Aerobatic team training jets contacted each other in mid-air. The wings of the planes made contact, causing minor damage. Both aircraft landed safely.
Four Hawk jet training aircraft of Midnight Hawks skill flight group were performing a flight demonstration program in accordance with the training program.
“Two of the four planes hit each other in a controlled flight,” Colonel Timo Herranen, Air Force Operations Manager, told Lentoposti.fi.
The planes flew in parallel and at the same speed at close range from each other.
After the contact, the flight exercise was suspended and all the planes were visually inspected.
Before returning to the base, the pilots of the aircraft performed the necessary measure ensuring that all the systems of the aircraft were operating normally.
The Hawks landed safely and no injuries were reported.
According to a preliminary assessment, the damage to the jets was limited to paint damage.
However, the matter is being investigated in detail and the necessary measurements and checks have been made on the aircraft,” Colonel Herranen continued.
The cause of incidents and damage assessment are investigated as part of the normal flight safety procedure, after which the necessary follow-up is assessed.
“An investigation phase is now underway, which will be carried out together with the Military Aviation Authorities Unit (SVY) and the severity of the situation will be assessed.
The Midnight Hawks is the aerobatic team of the Finnish Air Force. Flying four Hawk jet trainers, the team has proudly presented the expertise and capabilities of the Finnish Air Force in air shows both at home and abroad since 1997.
The Midnight Hawks use standard Finnish Air Force BAe Systems Hawk MK 51 and MK 51A aircraft from Fighter Squadron 41.
