RAF issues statement on fatal Spitfire crash in Coningsby which killed pilot Mark Long

The RAF has issued a statement amid an ongoing investigation into a fatal Spitfire crash. Squadron Leader Mark Long was pronounced dead at the scene on Langrick Road, Coningsby, after the Second World War Spitfire plane he was flying crashed on Saturday, May 25.

The Defence Accident Investigation Branch (DAIB) launched an investigation into the crash soon after it took place, which saw all Battle of Britain Memorial Flight planes temporarily grounded. The DAIB has issued a number of appeals since the incident asking members of the public for footage and images of the Spitfire MK356.

At an inquest opening in June, Sqn Ldr Long's provisional cause of death was given as head and neck injuries following a post-mortem examination at Leicester Royal Infirmary. Six months on from the crash, a senior RAF source has provided a statement on the investigation, but was unable to confirm when it would be concluded.

They said: "The investigation into the tragic Spitfire accident is being conducted by the Accident Investigation Board who are independent of the RAF, the investigation continues. When the investigation is complete the family of Sqn Ldr Long, Ministers and RAF leadership will be advised of the findings. Post this, the report will be released as public record."

Many tributes poured in following Sqn Ldr Long's death, including from people in Coningsby where the crash took place. In a touching tribute to Sqn Ldr Long published on June 1, Sqn Ldr Mark Sugden, Officer Commanding BBMF, said he "personified the very best of the Royal Air Force".

He said: "Words can not adequately convey the loss of such a dear friend and I have been overwhelmed by the support, well wishes and tributes that the team and I have received which speak so eloquently of the remarkable man that Mark was.

"Mark was such a familiar face to not only those at RAF Coningsby but to so many aviation enthusiasts and those in the local community. Mark touched so many lives and was close to so many people's hearts, especially those who had the honour of working closely with him on 29 Squadron and BBMF.

"Young or old, Mark enthused everyone he met with his own overwhelming enthusiasm and passion for aviation, and always with a cheeky grin. We now start the long journey of recovering from this tragedy.

"I would like to personally thank all of those who were part of the immediate response. The emergency services, personnel from RAF Coningsby and the wider military community could not have done more for Mark.

"Our thoughts are now with his family, of whom he was so devoted and proud. Mark set an example to us all, always putting others before himself, he personified the very best of the Royal Air Force the Typhoon Force and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, and his legacy will live on."