RAF pilot dies after Spitfire crashes in discipline throughout Battle of Britain occasion | EUROtoday

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An RAF pilot has died in a “tragic accident” after a Spitfire aircraft crashed right into a discipline in Coningsby, Lincolnshire throughout an occasion to commemorate the Battle of Britain.

Police and emergency providers rushed to the scene at simply earlier than 1.20pm on Saturday, after receiving studies that the Second World War plane had gone down.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence stated: “It is with great sadness that we must confirm the death of an RAF pilot in a tragic accident near RAF Coningsby today.

“The pilot’s family have been informed and we ask that their privacy is respected at this difficult time.”

It was a single-occupant plane and no one else is believed to have been concerned, Lincolnshire Police stated.

In a private tweet on Twitter/X, the Prince and Princess of Wales stated: “Incredibly sad to hear of the news this afternoon from RAF Coningsby.

“Our thoughts this evening are with the pilot’s loved ones, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, and the wider RAF family. W & C.”

The Prince of Wales was Honorary Air Commodore of RAF Coningsby between 2008 and 2023 earlier than handing over the position to the Princess of Wales in August 2023.

Rishi Sunak additionally paid tribute to the pilot, writing on Twitter: “Awful news to see the life of a serving RAF pilot cut short in this tragic event.

“My thoughts are with their family and loved ones.”

The plane was reportedly a Supermarine Spitfire that was used each earlier than and after the Second World War.

It was designed by R J Mitchell, and was famed for its position throughout the Battle of Britain, when it performed an important position in defeating Luftwaffe air assaults.

The Spitfire of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) was flying close to the air station when the crash occurred.

It will not be the primary time a pilot has been killed within the historic plane, with one killed final August when a duplicate Spitfire crashed within the Oxfordshire village of Enstone.

Six Supermarine Spitfires are at present operated by the RAF as a part of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, a unit that gives an aerial show group for state events and commemorative occasions.