Squadron Leader Mark Long, a 'passionate, professional' RAF pilot, has been named as the victim of a Spitfire crash near RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire on Saturday. The crash occurred during a Battle of Britain memorial event, and an investigation has been launched.
Group Captain Robbie Lees, Commander of the Display Air Wing, confirmed Long's death, describing him as a 'great friend, colleague, and a passionate, professional aviator'. Long was a Typhoon pilot at RAF Coningsby and had served with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) for four years, with plans to take over the flight next year.
Tributes have been led by the Prince and Princess of Wales, who expressed their sadness on social media, and by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer. The Kent Battle of Britain Museum identified the aircraft as Spitfire Mk IX, serial MK356, which had previously served as a gate guardian at Hawkinge.
Lincolnshire Police confirmed the pilot was the sole occupant and died at the scene; no other injuries were reported. The crash was reported at around 1.20pm on Saturday, with emergency services attending immediately. The RAF has asked for privacy for the pilot's family.
