A Royal Air Force pilot who died after a Spitfire crashed in a field in Lincolnshire has been identified as Sqn Ldr Mark Long. Emergency crews responded to the crash site near RAF Coningsby shortly before 1320hrs on Saturday May 25, 2024.

The Spitfire LF.IXe, MK356, in which Sqn Ldr Long was flying was part of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) based at the station.

In a statement, the RAF described Sqn Ldr Long as "a great friend, colleague and a passionate, professional aviator." Group Captain Robbie Lees, commander of the RAF's Display Air Wing, stated: "Mark was a Typhoon pilot here at RAF Coningsby and for the last four years he had been a pilot with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight."

Gp Capt Lees announced that an investigation into the cause of the accident is now underway. Following the crash the RAF has instigated a temporary pause in flying by the BBMF.