A “passionate, professional” RAF pilot who was killed in a Spitfire crash while taking part in a Battle of Britain event has been named.
Sqn Ldr Mark Long died following the crash at RAF Coningsby on Saturday. An investigation into the incident that led to his death has been launched.
Group Captain Robbie Lees, Commander, Display Air Wing, said on Sunday afternoon: “It is with great sorrow that I must confirm the death of Sqn Ldr 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 [BBMF]. A great friend, colleague, and a passionate, professional aviator, he will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
“An investigation into the cause of this tragic event has now begun.”
The Prince and Princess of Wales led tributes to Long, who was killed in a crash while taking part in a Battle of Britain memorial event on Saturday and was due to take over the BBMF next year.
William and Catherine wrote on social media: “Incredibly sad to hear of the news … 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.”
RAF Coningsby is home to the BBMF – a collection of wartime fighter and bomber aircraft that take part in airshows and memorial displays. Only a few dozen airworthy Spitfires remain, including six that belong to the BBMF.
Others shared their sadness at the loss of the pilot on social media. Rishi Sunak, the prime minister, said on X: “Awful news to see the life of a serving RAF pilot cut short in this tragic event. My thoughts are with their family and loved ones.”
Keir Starmer, the Labour leader, said: “Deeply saddened by news from Lincolnshire. Thank you to the emergency services for their response. My thoughts are with the pilot’s family at this awful time.”
A spokesperson from the Kent Battle of Britain Museum wrote: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the pilot who tragically lost his life in the Spitfire crash at RAF Coningsby yesterday afternoon, 25 May 2024.
“The Spitfire concerned was a Mk IX, Serial No MK356, which spent 16 years as the Hawkinge Gate Guardian Spitfire from 1945-December 1961. Sadly and tragically, now she is also a memorial to another lost pilot.”
Victoria Atkins, the Conservative MP for Louth and Horncastle, wrote on Facebook: “I am very sorry to hear the tragic news that an RAF pilot has died in the crash of a Spitfire near RAF Coningsby today. My thoughts and prayers are with the pilot’s loved ones, friends and the RAF family.”
Lincolnshire police confirmed on Saturday evening that the airman had died at the scene of the crash and that nobody else was injured in the incident.
A force spokesperson said: “We are sad to confirm that a man has died after a plane crashed into a field on Langrick Road in Coningsby earlier today. The man was the pilot and sole occupant of the aircraft. Police are not in a position to confirm his name, but his next of kin have been informed.
“Nobody else is thought to have been injured as a result. The incident was called into police just before 1.20pm today [Saturday] and emergency services were immediately dispatched to the scene.
“Sadly, the injuries the pilot sustained were not survivable and he was declared deceased at the scene. Investigations are ongoing into the cause.”
An RAF spokesperson added: “It is with great sadness that we must confirm the death of an RAF pilot in a tragic accident near RAF Coningsby. The pilot’s family have been informed and we ask that their privacy is respected at this difficult time.”
