RAF pilot who died in tragic Spitfire crash during Battle of Britain event named

dailyrecord.co.uk:

The Royal Air Force pilot who tragically died in a Spitfire crash near RAF Coningsby has been named as Mark Long. Emergency services raced to the scene on Langrick Road in Lincolnshire just before 1.20pm on Saturday, following the horrific crash.The Spitfire, part of the iconic Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF), was mid-flight near the air station when disaster struck.

Mr Long was pronounced dead at the scene and an investigation has been launched into the incident.Sharing his condolences, Group Captain Robbie Lees, Commander Display Air Wing, released a statement: "It is with great sorrow that I must confirm the death of Squadron Leader 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.

A great friend, colleague, and a passionate, professional aviator he will be sorely missed by all that knew him."The Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Kate, shared their sympathies via their Kensington Palace X account: "Incredibly sad to hear of the news this afternoon 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."Prince William held the role of Honorary Air Commodore of RAF Coningsby from 2008 until August 2023, when he passed on the duty to his wife.