Boris Johnson recalls Queen's remarks on his blunder
2024-09-30 10:55- An RAF F-35 fighter jet crashed into the Mediterranean Sea in November 2021 due to a plastic cover obstructing its engine.
- Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson shared his embarrassment at learning about the incident from Queen Elizabeth II, who was well-informed about current affairs.
- Johnson's memoir highlights the Queen's remarkable ability to contextualize global issues, showcasing her knowledge and insight.
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Insights
In November 2021, a significant incident occurred involving an RAF F-35 fighter jet that crashed into the Mediterranean Sea during routine operations from HMS Queen Elizabeth. The crash was attributed to a plastic rain cover that had been left over the air intake, which caused the engine to malfunction. This event was notably discussed by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson in his memoir, where he recounted a conversation with the late Queen Elizabeth II. Johnson expressed his embarrassment at learning about the incident from the Queen, who demonstrated her remarkable knowledge of current affairs. The Queen's ability to recall historical facts and contextualize events was highlighted during their discussions, including a conversation about the Russian invasion of Ukraine just days before her passing. Johnson's reflections provide insight into the private interactions between the monarch and her prime ministers, showcasing her keen awareness and understanding of global issues.
Contexts
In November 2021, a UK F-35 fighter jet crashed into the Mediterranean Sea shortly after taking off from the HMS Queen Elizabeth, the Royal Navy's flagship aircraft carrier. The incident occurred during routine flying operations, and footage captured by a security camera on board showed the dramatic moment the pilot ejected from the £100 million aircraft as it plummeted into the water. Fortunately, the pilot, known as Hux, was safely recovered, but the crash raised immediate concerns about the potential causes of the incident. The Ministry of Defense (MoD) acknowledged the circulating video but stated it was too early to comment on the investigation's findings. Speculation suggested that the crash might have been caused by an engine cover mistakenly left on the jet, leading to a sudden loss of power during takeoff. An official investigation later confirmed that this was likely the cause, highlighting the importance of thorough pre-flight checks. The F-35B, a short-take-off vertical landing variant developed by Lockheed Martin, is a crucial component of the UK's Carrier Strike Group. The aircraft, operated jointly by the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force, represents the most advanced stealth fighter in the world. The crash occurred during the carrier's maiden operational deployment, which included exercises with allies in the Far East, marking a significant moment in the UK's military presence on the global stage. Despite the loss of the aircraft, the response from the ship's crew was commendable, showcasing their training and readiness in emergency situations. As efforts to recover the jet from the seabed continued, the Royal Navy emphasized that the safety of personnel remained the top priority, ensuring that such incidents would lead to improved protocols and procedures in the future.
