The Royal Air Force pilot who died in a Spitfire crash near RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire on Saturday has been named as Squadron Leader Mark Long, Group Captain Robbie Lees said.
The horrific scenes took place at RAF Coninsgby earlier today (May 25), after the iconic plane flew to the area from Humberside. Police confirmed that it crashed into a field at 1.20pm, with only the pilot involved.
The death was confirmed by the Ministry of Defence, and a spokesman for Lincolnshire Police said: “Emergency services are in attendance following reports of an aircraft crashing in a field just before 1.20pm.”
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GP Lees, commander of the RAF’s Display Air Wing, said: “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. I would like to extend a sincere thank you to the RAF personnel, and our emergency services colleagues who responded so swiftly yesterday.
“Our thoughts remain with Mark’s family and friends to whom we offer our deepest sympathies. We ask that their privacy be respected at this tragic and shocking time.”
It took place just a few days after staff at RAF Coningsby teamed with RAF Donna Nook troops to practice what they would do in the event of a helicopter crash. Police, fire and ambulance crews form the area also took part, as they simulated what they would do if a Chinook crashed, fatalities occurred and a “large environmental spill” also happened.
Wg Cdr Jim Errington said: “In a real situation, having emergency service experts close by, as RAF Coningsby co-ordinates the response, is invaluable.
“Like everybody else, I hope the real thing never happens. But if it does, we at RAF Coningsby need to be ready and this exercise successfully tested that readiness.”
Incident commander, Sqn Ldr Kathryn Janes added: “Because the RAF and the emergency services could be asked to respond to an incident at any time, this exercise is just one part of an ongoing training cycle.”
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