Pilot Lands At Closed RAF Base 'To Go To The Beach'

North Wales Police said they are “considering” whether there were “potential breaches” of the COVID-19 legislation.

A civilian pilot landed without permission at a closed RAF base "because he wanted to go to the beach".

The pilot landed at RAF Valley on the island of Anglesey on Monday, sparking an emergency response from Ministry of Defence (MOD) guards and fire crews, the RAF confirmed. 

It is understood that, upon landing, the pilot taxied his single-engine aircraft to the far side of the airfield, near the beach, where he was confronted.

Workers were said to be carrying out repairs and maintenance on the airfield at the time of the incident. 

After security checks were carried out, the pilot decided to take off again, despite the airfield remaining closed, the RAF said.

According to a PA news agency source, the pilot was believed to have flown from an airfield in Surrey as he wanted to “go to the beach”. 

North Wales Police said they are “considering” whether there were “potential breaches” of the COVID-19 legislation.

An RAF spokesman said whilst the incident was “irregular", there was "no threat to station personnel or the wider public". 

“The incident has been reported to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)," the spokesman added.

A spokesman from the CAA confirmed that it was investigating the incident.

While the RAF does accept civil aircraft at its stations, 24 hours’ notice is required to ensure they do not affect military activity.

The Air Force said by landing on a closed base, there was no appropriate fire and rescue cover in place, although there was no "immediate danger" to other military aircraft. 

RAF Valley is home to No 4 Flying Training School which is responsible for training fighter jet pilots and aircrew for maritime operations.

Cover image: PA.