RAF pilot killed in Spitfire crash named as loving tributes paid

The RAF pilot who died in a Spitfire crash near RAF Coningsby has been named as Squadron Leader Mark Long. Emergency services were called to Langrick Road in Lincolnshire just before 1.20pm on Saturday following the crash.

The Spitfire of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) was flying near the air station when the crash took place. In a statement, Group Captain Robbie Lees, Commander Display Air Wing, said: "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.”

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An investigation into the crash is now taking place. On Saturday, The Prince and Princess of Wales said 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 role over to Kate.

Lincolnshire Police said it was a single occupant aircraft and nobody else was involved. The East Midlands Ambulance Service sent a “number of resources”, including a paramedic and a helicopter ambulance.

RAF Coningsby is home to the BBMF, a collection of wartime fighter and bomber aircraft that take part in air shows and memorial displays. Only a few dozen airworthy Spitfires remain, including six that belong to the BBMF.