RAF pilot killed in Spitfire crash at Battle of Britain occasion is known as | EUROtoday

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The Royal Air Force pilot who died in a Spitfire crash close to RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire on Saturday has been named as squadron chief Mark Long.

Police and emergency providers rushed to the scene on Langrick Road in Lincolnshire simply earlier than 1.20pm, after the plane crashed throughout a Battle of Britain commemoration occasion.

Group captain Robbie Lees, Commander Display Air Wing, stated: “It is with great sorrow that I must confirm the death of Squadron Leader Mark Long.

“Mark was a Typhoon pilot here at RAF Coningsby and for the last four years he has been a pilot with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. A great friend, colleague and a passionate, professional aviator, he will be sorely missed by all that knew him.

“An investigation into the cause of this tragic event has now begun. The RAF will not be offering any comment on the accident until that investigation has concluded, and likewise we ask others not to speculate.

“I would like to extend a sincere thank you to the RAF personnel, and our emergency services colleagues who responded so swiftly yesterday. Our thoughts remain with Mark’s family and friends to whom we offer our deepest sympathies. We ask that their privacy be respected at this tragic and shocking time.”

On Saturday, William and Kate stated on their Kensington Palace X account: “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.”

William was Honorary Air Commodore of RAF Coningsby from 2008 to August 2023, when he handed the function over to Kate.

Rishi Sunak and Labour chief Sir Keir Starmer additionally paid tribute, with the prime minister writing on X: “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.”

Sir Keir stated: “Deeply saddened by news from Lincolnshire. Thank you to the emergency services for their response. My thoughts are with the pilot’s family at this awful time.”

RAF Coningsby is residence to the BBMF, a set of wartime fighter and bomber plane that participate in air reveals and memorial shows.

Only a couple of dozen airworthy Spitfires stay, together with six that belong to the BBMF.