RAF Typhoon jets were scrambled to escort a passenger plane that had developed a fault today – and caused the sonic boom heard across York.
The drama in the skies was the reason behind the huge bang heard over the city shortly before noon.
A technical problem meant that a Scandinavian Airlines flight from Oslo to Manchester lost communications.
As a result, Typhoons from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire were sent to intercept the jet at speeds well in excess of 700mph – causing the sonic boom.
A spokesperson for Scandinavian Airlines said: “Flight SK4609 from Oslo to Manchester this afternoon underwent an escorted landing in response to a brief and temporary loss of communication.
“A standard procedure was initiated but there was never any danger to the flight or its passengers.”
It landed safely at Manchester Airport at 12.48pm.
An investigation into what went wrong has been launched by aviation authorities.
A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: “Quick Reaction Alert Typhoon aircraft were launched this afternoon from RAF Coningsby to intercept a civilian aircraft that had lost communications.
“Subsequently, communications were re-established, the aircraft was intercepted and safely escorted to Manchester.”
