The name of the pilot who passed away following the Spitfire crash in Lincolnshire has been released as Sqn Ldr Mark Long by the RAF. The crash occurred at the weekend in a field close to RAF Coningsby, where the World War Two-era fighter was based. In a statement, the RAF described the tragic pilot as “a great friend, colleague and a passionate, professional aviator”. The spokesperson led the tributes with others also paying their respects to Long on social media.
Gp Capt Robbie Lees, the commander of the RAF’s Display Air Wing also shared his condolences adding, “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.” Lees also confirmed that due to the incident, an investigation into the cause of the crash has commenced.
The Prince and Princess of Wales have also shared their condolences for the pilot, describing themselves as “incredibly sad” to hear of his death. BBMF, the squadron the Spitfire belonged to, is a manned flight maintained by the military, operating a variety of aircraft including six Spitfires, two Hurricanes, and a Lancaster, which are flown by top-rated RAF aircrew.
According to Wally Epton, a retired RAF squadron leader and current chairman of the Historic Aircraft Association (HAA), the BBMF has shown exceptional safety standards for over six decades, and this tragic incident is reportedly the first of its kind since the organisation’s creation. Mr Epton, who has himself flown Spitfires for BBMF, went on to share, “The Spitfire is an exceptionally safe aeroplane.” All parties involved are offering sincerest condolences to the loved ones of the deceased pilot
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