'He touched the hearts of everyone that he met' - Tributes paid to RAF pilot who died in Spitfire crash
manchestereveningnews.co.ukThe family of a Royal Air Force fighter pilot who died in a Spitfire crash said he 'lived his life with an unwavering passion'.
Squadron Leader Mark Long, 43, died in the crash which happened near RAF Coningsby on Saturday. Mr Long had been flying the Spitfire as part of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF).
Mr Long had previously flown Harrier and Typhoon fighter jets and joined the RAF more than 20 years ago. He lived in Lincolnshire with his wife, two daughters and a dog. READ: Chaos erupts in pub as traveller families clash in 'horror' scenes A tribute issued by the Ministry of Defence on behalf of Mr Long's family said: "Mark lived his life with an unwavering passion with laughter, love, and dedication to his family. “His talent for flying was there for all to see, and his ability to connect to everyone he met was infectious.
Mark will be cherished and deeply missed by us all.” Mr Long, who was born in Bury St Edmunds, graduated Initial Officer Training at the RAF in 2003.
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