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A recent report has identified debris lodged in the carburettor of a Spitfire as the very likely cause of a fatal crash involving a pilot. Squadron Leader Mark Long lost his life when the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) aircraft he was piloting crashed in a field in Lincolnshire on 25 May 2024. The Ministry of Defence’s investigation revealed that the presence of debris led to fuel starvation, resulting in the plane losing the necessary thrust to maintain powered flight.
Eyewitnesses observed the Spitfire Mk IX, a model from 1944 maintained by the RAF’s BBMF for ceremonial flypasts and displays, veer sharply and descend just 56 seconds after taking off from RAF Coningsby. Initial findings from the inquest into the crash indicated that the cause of death for Sqn Ldr Long was head and neck injuries. The official Service Inquiry report, which included chemical testing, confirmed that the problematic debris had been inside the carburettor for several decades.
The report also highlighted confusion stemming from conflicting maintenance publications, which created uncertainty about the correct procedures for cleaning and inspecting the carburettor. This inconsistency likely contributed to differing interpretations regarding the extent of dismantling required, diminishing the effectiveness of debris detection and removal. Additionally, factors related to cockpit design and pilot restraints were cited as aggravating contributors to the accident. However, the report noted that modifying these elements would pose significant challenges, not only compromising the aircraft’s historical authenticity but potentially affecting its overall airworthiness due to changes in weight and balance.
Contained within the inquiry were 26 safety recommendations aimed at preventing similar tragedies. These included enhancing maintenance documentation, reconsidering cockpit protection measures, and improving emergency procedure training. The report described the proposed actions as “robust” and emphasized that their implementation should greatly reduce the chances of a similar incident occurring in the future
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