RAF grounds WWII Spitfire planes after pilot's death
Spitfire (Representative image)
Britain's Royal Air Force has decided to ground the fleet of World War II Spitfire planes following a tragic crash that claimed the life of pilot Mark Long during a Battle of Britain event at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, eastern England.
The incident occurred on Saturday (May 25) when the Spitfire, renowned for its role in the Battle of Britain, crashed near RAF Coningsby.
The decision to ground the Spitfires has cast doubt on their participation in upcoming events commemorating the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings.
Notably, on June 5, 1944, the Allied forces embarked on one of the most pivotal military operations in history, the invasion of Normandy, France, famously known as D-Day. The operation involved a massive amphibious assault with the combined forces of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and other Allied nations.
The coming events in the UK marking 80 years of D-Day include a national commemorative gathering in Portsmouth on June 5. On this day, the Allied forces landed on the beaches of Normandy.
An RAF spokesperson said, "Following the tragic accident at RAF Coningsby, and while the formal investigation is ongoing, the RAF has instigated a temporary pause in flying for the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight."
Crash ahead offlyover
The accident occurred when the Spitfire was scheduled to participate in a flyover at the "Lanc, Tanks and Military Machines" event at the Lincolnshire Aviation Centre in East Kirkby.
The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF), responsible for operating historic aircraft to honour RAF personnel who fought in the Battle of Britain, includes iconic planes like the Avro Lancaster, Supermarine Spitfire and Hawker Hurricane.
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The future flying status of the vintage planes remains uncertain pending the completion of the RAF's investigation.
Notably, key figures like King Charles, Queen Camilla, and the Prince of Walesare expected to gather in Normandy for the memorial celebrations.World leaders such as French President Emmanuel Macron, US President Joe Biden and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will also attend the memorial celebrations.
(With inputs from agencies)