A memorial flight featuring the Second World War’s most iconic aircraft will miss upcoming D-Day commemorations following the death of a pilot.
The Royal Air Force says it must “regretfully” be absent at the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings but “flight safety” remains its “primary concern.”
The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight was created after the war featuring Spitfires, Hurricanes and one of only two flying Avro Lancasters in the world.
A Spitfire piloted by Sqn Ldr Mark Long crashed on Saturday 25th May close to RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire where the 43-year-old was stationed. He was declared dead at the scene and an investigation has been launched.
Mark Long was killed when his Spitfire crashed PA
A spokesperson for the RAF said: “On 25 May 2024 a Spitfire from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) crashed in the vicinity of RAF Coningsby, resulting in the tragic death of the pilot, Sqn Ldr Mark Long.
“The Defence Air Investigation Branch (DAIB) are continuing their investigation.
“At this stage, the cause of the incident remains unknown and therefore, after extensive consultation between the Chief of the Air Staff and relevant senior RAF officers, it has been decided to continue the pause in flying for the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF).
“As always, flight safety remains the RAF’s primary concern, therefore, BBMF flying will only resume when it is safe and appropriate to do so.
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Flowers left for RAF pilot Mark Long
PA
“As a result, regretfully, BBMF aircraft are not expected to be able to participate in the forthcoming D-Day 80 Commemorations over 5-6 June 2024.”
The RAF says the Spitfire has been removed from the crash site but it is unknown how long the investigation will take.
Floral tributes have been left outside the fence of RAF Coningsby. In tribute, Mark Long’s family said he “will be cherished and deeply missed by us all”.
RAF Spitfire
PA
The pilot was due to take command of BBMF in the coming months.
Officer Commanding the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Sqn Ldr Mark Sugden, described his colleague and friend as “the best boss that BBMF never had”.
Prior to the accident, BBMF flew 12 aircraft, including six Spitfires, two Hurricanes, one Dakota, two Chipmunks, and the Lancaster.
Its mission is to preserve priceless artefacts and RAF heritage.
