Pilot killed in crash of WWII-era Spitfire near RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire

A pilot died on Saturday (May 25) following the crash of a Spitfire, the most famous British fighter aircraft of WWII and known for its role in the Battle of Britain, near RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, eastern England.

The tragic incident occurred during a Battle of Britain event at RAF Coningsby.

After receiving reports of the crash, emergency services were dispatched off Langrick Road, Coningsby, shortly before 13:20 BST on Saturday.

The pilot who lost his life in the incident has not been identified. He was the sole occupant of the World War Two-era aircraft and was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, according to the Lincolnshire Police.

The aircraft, belonging to the RAF's Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF), was scheduled to participate in a flyover at 13:30 BST as part of the "Lanc, Tanks and Military Machines" event at the Lincolnshire Aviation Centre in East Kirkby.

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The BBMF, based at RAF Coningsby, is known for its collection of historical aircraft, including six Spitfires, two Hurricanes, and a Lancaster.

Sunak expressescondolences

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed his condolences, stating, "Awful news to see the life of a serving RAF pilot cut short in this tragic event. My thoughts are with their family and loved ones."

The Prince and Princess of Wales also paid tribute, posting on social media, "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."

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An RAF spokesperson confirmed the pilot's death in a statement: "It is with great sadness that we must confirm the death of an RAF pilot in a tragic accident near RAF Coningsby today. The pilot's family have been informed and we ask that their privacy is respected at this difficult time."

No other injuries

Lincolnshire Police noted that the crash did not result in any other injuries. Road closures were implemented around Dogdyke Road and Sandy Bank, and motorists were advised to avoid the area.

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The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with the RAF emphasising that a "comprehensive investigation" would be conducted.In a similar incident last August, where a replica Spitfire crashed near Enstone, Oxfordshire resulted in the pilot's death. In 2017, another Spitfire crashed during an airshow in northern France, terrifying spectators.

(With inputs from agencies)