A thunderous sonic boom echoed across Essex and neighbouring counties on Friday morning as RAF fighter jets were scrambled to intercept a private aircraft that lost contact with air traffic control.
Two Eurofighter Typhoon jets, deployed from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, were launched under Quick Reaction Alert protocol after a San Marino-registered jet suddenly dropped off the radar near Cambridgeshire.
The civilian aircraft had reportedly departed from Nice, France, en route to the UK.
Shockwaves Felt Across Counties
The loud bang, described as a “vacuum-style” explosion by locals, was heard at approximately 11:35am. Reports of the boom quickly poured in from residents across Essex, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Kent, and parts of London.
“I thought it was someone hitting our garage, but when I went outside, all our neighbours were on the street, wondering what had happened,” said Jenny Coxal from Dartford, Essex.
The sonic boom was the result of the Typhoon jets breaking the sound barrier, a phenomenon that happens when an aircraft exceeds around 660mph (1,060km/h) at an altitude of 60,000ft. These shockwaves compress and decompress the surrounding air, producing a sudden, thunderous sound.
Residents quickly took to social media to share their shock and confusion.
“Sonic boom just heard over Hornchurch. Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4 went overhead,” wrote one user.
Another added: “Eurofighter Typhoon escorting a plane to Stansted. Causing the sonic boom all over Essex. People heard it as far as Bexleyheath!”
Elsewhere, the noise had physical effects on homes.
A woman in Bury St Edmunds claimed it “rattled” her back door. Someone in North Kent said it “shook the whole house – we thought there had been an explosion.”
In Burwell, Cambridgeshire, one resident shared: “Thought something blew up in my loft.”
Safe Resolution at Stansted
The drama ended safely at Stansted Airport, where the civilian aircraft was escorted after communications were re-established mid-air.
“We can confirm that RAF Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) Typhoon fighter aircraft from RAF Coningsby were launched today to investigate a civilian aircraft which was not in contact with air traffic control.
Communications were re-established, and the aircraft was safely escorted to Stansted. The Typhoons are returning to base,” said an RAF spokesperson.
Essex Police also confirmed the incident posed no threat.
“A flight has been escorted into Stansted Airport after it lost contact with the ground. Contact was re-established with the plane, which had been travelling from Nice, and was escorted into the airport by RAF aircraft. On the ground, our officers determined there was nothing of concern,” a police spokesperson said.
RAF on High Alert
This rapid deployment is part of the UK’s standard air defence protocol. RAF Coningsby is one of the UK’s two Quick Reaction Alert stations, always prepared to intercept any suspicious or unresponsive aircraft entering UK airspace.
While it caused widespread concern and confusion on the ground, the incident ended with a collective sigh of relief—and a strong reminder of just how swiftly the RAF can respond to potential threats.
