William and Kate say demise of RAF pilot in crash is ‘extremely unhappy’

The Prince and Princess of Wales have paid tribute to the Royal Air Force Spitfire pilot who lost his life in a crash this afternoon during a Battle of Britain event near RAF Coningsby, Lincolnshire.

Kate and William, who himself served as an RAF Search and Rescue pilot, said in a joint statement that it was ‘incredibly sad to hear of the news’ and added that their ‘thoughts this evening are with the pilot’s loved ones, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, and the wider RAF family.’

Prime minister Rishi Sunak wrote on X: ‘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.’

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said he was ‘deeply saddened’ by the news, and thanked the emergency services for their response, adding ‘my thoughts are with the pilot’s family at this awful time.’

Lincolnshire Police said the pilot was a man and was the sole occupant of the aircraft, which crashed into a field on Langrick Road at around 1.20pm.

Confirming the pilot’s death, the RAF earlier said 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 privacy is respected at this difficult time,’ it added.

A Spitfire crashed in a field during a Battle of Britain event at RAF Coningsby just before 1.20pm

File image shows the Prince and Princess of Wales with Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, at RAF Fairford last year

Emergency services arrived following reports of a crash of a single-occupant aircraft in a field on Langrick Road (stock image)

Emergency services arrived following reports of the crash, with fire crews from Horncastle, Woodhall Spa, a rescue team from Louth, as well as a helicopter all attending the scene. 

A spokesperson for Lincolnshire Police said earlier: ‘Emergency services are in attendance following reports of an aircraft crashing in a field just before 1.20pm 

‘It is believed to be a single occupant aircraft and nobody else is thought to have been involved.

‘Road closures are in place in the areas of Dogdyke Road and Sandy Bank.’ 

The RAF published a statement via X, which read: ‘We are aware of an incident in the vicinity of RAF Coningsby involving an RAF aircraft.

‘We are working with the emergency services and supporting those involved.’

The authorities asked motorists to avoid the area and seek other routes for their journeys.

According to GloucestershireLive , it was a Supermarine Spitfire aircraft that was previously utilised both before and after World War II. 

The aircraft was designed by R. J. Mitchell, and was famed for its role during the Battle of Britain.

Its unique elliptical wings allowed for a perfect partnership of power and speed whilst mid-air. 

The location where the Spitfire crashed in a field on on Langrick Road at RAF Coningsby

Exactly 20.531 Spitfires were constructed between 1939 and 1948, with many varying in roles and engine types. 

It is thought that there are about 60 Spitfires that are currently in use dotted around the globe.

Several others are also kept in museums, private collections as well displays, bringing the total number of Spitfires up to an estimated 240.

Police have requested for anyone with information to contact them by calling 101, and quoting 221 of May 25 2024.