Memorial flight Spitfires and Hurricanes return to the skies after fatal crash grounding

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) will resume flying its Merlin-engined Spitfires and Hurricanes, which were temporarily grounded following the death of Squadron Leader Mark Long.

Sqn Ldr Long, a highly experienced RAF pilot, was killed when the Spitfire Mk IXe MK356 he was flying crashed in a field near RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire on 25 May 2024.

The aircraft came down shortly after take-off, and an inquest later found that he died from head and neck injuries.

• Pilot who died in Spitfire crash hailed as the very best of the Royal Air Force
• MOD to support provision of F-16s to Ukraine rather than provide old RAF Typhoons
• Spitfire's final victory? Its legacy

The Defence Accident Investigation Branch is continuing to investigate the cause of the crash.

A historic engine with a lasting legacy

The Rolls-Royce Merlin is a liquid-cooled, V12 piston engine that powered some of the most famous aircraft of the Second World War, including the Spitfire, Hurricane and Lancaster.

Designed in the 1930s, it played a crucial role in the Battle of Britain and became a symbol of British engineering excellence.

The BBMF, based at RAF Coningsby, operates five Spitfires, two Hurricanes, a Lancaster bomber, and a Dakota transport aircraft.

Following the crash, all aircraft using the Merlin engine were temporarily withdrawn from flying as a precaution and the decision was made to pause operations while safety assessments were carried out.

The Lancaster, which also uses four Merlin engines, was similarly grounded after the accident but was cleared to fly in July 2024 following routine checks.

BBMF aircraft return to displays

In a social media post, the BBMF confirmed that all its aircraft will be taking part in this year's display season, which marks the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain and the 80th anniversary of VE and VJ Day.

A BBMF post on Facebook read: "We look forward to seeing you around the country and having a great display season celebrating the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, and 80th anniversaries of VE and VJ Day."