No Second World War aircraft will participate in tribute flypasts marking the 80th anniversary of D-day next week, following the crash of a Spitfire in Lincolnshire last weekend that killed its pilot, Squadron Leader Mark Long.
The RAF confirmed that the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) remains grounded as investigators have yet to establish the cause of the accident. Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton decided to continue the pause in flying, meaning BBMF aircraft will not take part in the forthcoming D-day commemorations.
While the vintage planes will largely not be replaced, an A400M transport will conduct an additional flight over a ferry carrying D-day veterans from Portsmouth to France on Tuesday. The Red Arrows display team will perform as planned on Thursday, 6 June, the anniversary itself.
Spitfires and other wartime aircraft had been scheduled to fly over Southwick House in Hampshire on Monday and Tuesday, and over the British memorial in Ver-sur-Mer, Normandy, on Thursday, where King Charles is due to lead tributes. The grounding also jeopardises participation in events for the King's birthday and the British Grand Prix.
Squadron Leader Long, 43, died when his Spitfire crashed shortly after takeoff from RAF Coningsby on Saturday. He radioed a mayday call before the plane banked right and descended. The Defence Accident Investigation Branch continues its inquiry, with no timeline for conclusion.
