Two RAF Typhoon jets were deployed from their base in Scotland following a mid-air communication failure with a commercial aircraft.
The jets ascended rapidly to intercept the plane as it neared the east coast without establishing contact with air traffic control. Communication was later restored, and the aircraft landed safely after the incident on Wednesday afternoon.
Residents of Arbroath reported a “loud bang,” which some speculated to be a sonic boom—a powerful noise created when an aircraft exceeds the speed of sound.
One local described the event: “I was dog sitting in Arbroath. Suddenly, a massive bang occurred and shook the doors of the house. Does anyone know what it was?”
Another resident shared their alarm: “Did anyone just hear that loud bang and know where it came from? It gave me quite the scare.”
A third remarked: “I think the town just experienced a sonic boom!”
Another added: “Who heard the sonic boom earlier over Arbroath? I thought I was imagining things, but it seems I wasn’t the only one.”
And yet another commented: “My windows were rattling; my poor cat nearly had a heart attack!”
A spokesperson from RAF Lossiemouth confirmed: “We can confirm that RAF Quick Reaction Alert Typhoons were scrambled from RAF Lossiemouth today after a civilian aircraft failed to establish communication with air traffic control. Communications were subsequently re-established, and no further action was required.”
