Pictured: The dramatic scene after a 'Red Arrows' Hawk jet crash-landed and smashed into RAF base

As car park prangs go, this was more serious than the average shunt.

But it could have been far worse --considering it involved a runaway RAF Hawk jet.

The £5million aircraft was due to become part of the Red Arrows fleet and was being delivered to RAF Cranwell in Lincolnshire to be sprayed in the display team's signature red livery when it crashed on landing and skidded off the runway.

The Hawk hurtled across the airfield, smashing into a crew building and three cars before coming to a rest next to the air traffic control tower, smashing some of the building's windows in the process.

The two-man crew ejected during the drama and were treated in hospital for their injuries.

The Hawk was understood to have been flown by Wing Commander David Firth-Wigglesworth, 43, the Red Arrows' Senior Flying Officer.

A witness to the crash said: 'As the aircraft touched down, its undercarriage-gave way and it swerved to the right. Two loud bangs followed as the aircrew ejected.'

A source at RAF Cranwell added: 'A friend of mine had just left the building hit by the Hawk. If he hadn't left when he did, he wouldn't be here now.'

An investigation is being carried out into the cause of the accident.