I was around for the Akrotiri self hack. The pilot shot the wheel off the banner which went down the intake and trashed an engine. He limped home on the other engine which gave out on short finals where the pilot punched out and landed on base. The SAR crew were a little peeved as it was a land on recovery, well not many wet winching jobs out there. The jet ended up close to the main gate in a farmers mandra, he was happy as he could see pound signs in the sky.
Later that day in the bar, the pilot sporting a rather fat lip was in conversation with the Station Commander who was after a Lightening as Gate Guard. "Well Sir, I got it as close as I could". Makes a good story.
Heads down, look out for the flack