August 25, 2020 11.11 am This story is over 43 months old

Emergency landing for Red Arrows jet in Edinburgh after bird strike

Red 6 needed a lift home

A Red Arrows plane was forced to make an emergency landing at Edinburgh airport after a “glancing blow by a stray bird”.

The aircraft was met by fire crews on the tarmac at the airport on Monday evening and Red 6 was accompanied by support plane Red 9 to land safely at around 7pm after a magnificent display in the Scottish capital.

Jon Bond, the pilot for Red 6, posted on social media thanking his colleague Steve Morris, Red 9, for the “ride back home”

The jet was hit by a ‘stray bird’. Photo: rafred6 Instagram

Jon’s colleague from Red 9 gave him a ride home. Photo: rafred6 Instagram

https://twitter.com/Gerhill/status/1297971144134406145

Jon also thanked everyone at the airport for their “very helpful and timely assistance”.

Jon Bond is the pilot for Red 6. Photo: rafred6 Instagram

The iconic planes are currently flying around the country to mark 75 years since VJ Day (Victory over Japan Day).

Stunning photos and videos were posted on social media, including showing the Red Arrows display making its way over Edinburgh Castle.

https://www.facebook.com/mingles7/videos/10158693293667154/

The Red Arrows, who will move to RAF Waddington once RAF Scampton is closed, were supporting The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in marking the closing week of the 2020 virtual event.