RAF's Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will not participate in D-Day 80 events

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) will not participate in D-Day 80 commemorations as it remains grounded in the wake of the fatal Spitfire crash, the Royal Air Force has confirmed.

The Defence Air Investigation Branch is continuing its investigation into the accident which claimed the life of Typhoon and BBMF pilot Squadron Leader Mark Long.

"At this stage, the cause of the incident remains unknown and therefore, after extensive consultation between the Chief of the Air Staff and relevant senior RAF officers, it has been decided to continue the pause in flying for the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight," a spokesperson said.

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"As always, flight safety remains the RAF's primary concern, therefore BBMF flying will only resume when it is safe and appropriate to do so.

"As a result, regretfully, BBMF aircraft are not expected to be able to participate in the forthcoming D-Day 80 Commemorations over 5-6 June 2024."

Sqn Ldr Long was killed when the Spitfire he was flying came down in a field in Lincolnshire last Saturday.

The Spitfire was based at RAF Coningsby, the home of the BBMF.

A number of aircraft are part of the BBMF, including several Spitfires, two Hurricanes, two Chipmunks, which are primarily used for training, a Dakota and a Lancaster, which are all flown by RAF personnel.

The BBMF has the mission of maintaining the aircraft of national heritage in airworthy condition in order to commemorate those who have fallen in service.

The wreckage of the Spitfire has been removed from the crash site, with the Defence Air Investigation Branch initiating an independent inquiry into the incident.