Red Arrows jet in bird strike emergency at 2,300ft over Lincoln

A Red Arrows jet came into trouble when it hit a bird in mid air.

An alert was reported when the Hawk T1 aircraft squawked 7700 - the code used to indicate an "emergency situation".

Reports suggest the aeroplane was flying above Lincoln at about 8.40am on Wednesday, February 1.

An RAF spokesperson said the jet had to be rescued following a bird strike.

Maps from Sky Scan World showed the single jet registered to an "unknown route" while flying at an altitude of 2,300ft. 

The aircraft tracking site records movements and aviation news with maps and data showing the Red Arrow's whereabouts after take-off.

Further details show the plane as a Hawker Siddeley Hawk T1.

The Royal Air Force said there was no apparent damage to the aircraft, which is due to be fully assessed by specialist engineers.

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."

Often seen flying with their trademark Diamond Nine shape, the jets are famously known for their colourful displays, where pilots release white, red, and blue smoke into the sky.

They represent the speed, agility and precision of the Royal Air Force and assist in recruiting to the Armed Forces promoting the best of British.

Flying distinctive Hawk fast-jets, the team includes pilots, engineers and support workers with frontline operational experience.

Displays have been running since 1965, with the jets based at RAF Waddington.

In December, defence chiefs signed a £9million deal paving the way for a Red Arrows replacement plane.