Dr. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many accidents have occurred involving RAF Hawk aircraft since 1979; and if he will indicate the causes of such accidents where possible.
§ Mr. NeubertDetails of major accidents to RAF Hawk aircraft since 1979 are as follows:
389W
Date Place Accident Category Cause 10. 25/10/1984 4 NM SW Port Madoc Control restriction 5 Not positively determined 11. 7/11/1984 Near Mona Airfield Birdstrike 5 Birdstrike 12. 30/1/1985 Bristol Channel Reported aileron restriction 5 Not positively determined 13. 17/4/1985 Wattisham Airfield Canopy came off aircraft 5 Aircrew error 14. 26/9/1985 Decimomannu Mid-air collision (2 Hawks) 5 Aircrew error 15. 7/7/1986 Valley Airfield Tyre burst on take off 5 Not positively determined 16. 3/11/1986 Scampton Engine surge, incorrect relight 5 Aircrew error 17. 16/11/1987 Welton Mid-air collision (2 Hawks) 5 Aircrew error 18. 22/1/1988 Scampton Airfield Red Arrows display practice 5 Aircrew error 19. 13/5/1988 ½NM S of Brawdy Engine failure on take off 5 Servicing error 20. 24/6/1988 Scampton Airfield Accident on take off 4 Aircrew error 21. 14/6/1989 15 NM SE Llanbeder Mid-air collision Under investigation Notes:
1. Category 4 Damage not repairable on site.
2. Category 5 Aircraft damaged beyond repair.
Dr. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Hawk training aircraft are operating with the RAF and other air forces; and what design modifications have been made to the aircraft as a result of accidents.
§ Mr. NeubertA total of 172 Hawk aircraft have been taken into service by the Royal Air Force. The aircraft has met fully its original design specification. As with all aircraft, modifications are introduced from time to time in the light of operational experience. The number of Hawk aircraft operational with other air forces is not a matter for my Department.