RAF pilot dies in Spitfire crash
A Royal Air Force pilot has died in “a tragic accident” after a Spitfire crashed into a field near RAF Coningsby.
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said:
— Royal Air Force (@RoyalAirForce) May 25, 2024
Emergency services were called to the crash in a field in Lincolnshire just before 1.20pm on Saturday.
The flight was believed to be a single occupant aircraft and nobody else is thought to have been involved.
The aircraft is believed to be from the RAF’s Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, which is based at nearby RAF Coningsby.
The squadron was scheduled to perform a flypast at the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre on Saturday.
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch said the investigation was being handled by the Defence Accident Investigation Branch.
The RAF operate six Supermarine Spitfires as part of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, a unit that provides an aerial display group for commemorative events and state occasions.
Around 240 Spitfires are believed to exist worldwide, with around 70 of them in an airworthy condition.
Road closures are in place in the areas of Dogdyke Road and Sandy Bank.
Motorists are urged to avoid the area.
