On the 22nd October 2009, an RAF Hawk jet crashed in the small village of Shap in Cumbria. Nearby houses were damaged and the two crewmen lost their lives.

10 years on, their bravery remembered.

Squadron Leader Mike Andrews, 38, of Hampshire, and Flight Lieutenant Steve Todd, 28, of Grantham, Lincolnshire, had been on a training mission from RAF Leeming in North Yorkshire, where both men were based.

Onlookers said the plane disintegrated on landing but the pilot was hailed a hero for steering his stricken plane away from the village instead of ejecting.

It is believed that the plane clipped trees before crashing into outbuildings near Skew Bridge.

A memorial service was held at St. Michael’s Church, shap on Sunday 18th of October 2009 in memory of the two pilots.  In attendance were RAF personnel and local villagers. After the service a parade was led to the memorial at Skew Bridge where a wreath was laid.

BBC Article – Two Killed in RAF Jet Crash October 1999.
The Westmorland Gazette – Memorial service marks 10th anniversary of tragic air crash