Battle of Britain Memorial Flight displays paused following death of pilot in Spitfire crash
The Royal Air Force has put a temporary pause on flying for the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight following the death of an RAF pilot in a Spitfire crash.
Squadron Leader Mark Long was a Typhoon pilot at RAF Coningsby who for the last four years had been a pilot with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
The RAF said it had decided to ground the BBMF aircraft while investigations take place.
A 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."
Sqn Ldr Long was killed when the Spitfire came down in a field in Lincolnshire on Saturday.
The Prince and Princess of Wales joined many others in paying tribute to him.
On their Kensington Palace X account, Prince William and Princess Kate said: "Incredibly sad to hear of the news this afternoon from RAF Coningsby.
"Our thoughts this evening are with the pilot's loved ones, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, and the wider RAF family. W & C."
"A great friend, colleague, and a passionate, professional aviator, he will be sorely missed by all that knew him," said Group Captain Robbie Lees, Commander Display Air Wing.
"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."
The RAF's Battle of Britain Memorial Flight – a popular sight in summer – operates from Coningsby in Lincolnshire and has the mission of maintaining the aircraft of national heritage in airworthy condition.
This is to commemorate those who have fallen in the service.
The flight operates several Spitfires, two Hurricanes, a Lancaster, a C-47 Dakota and two Chipmunks (primarily for training), with the aircraft being flown by regular RAF aircrew.
They are flown to celebrate and commemorate public and military events from state occasions such as Trooping the Colour to major airshows and flypasts for public events.
The BBMF also promotes the modern-day Royal Air Force and hopes to inspire future generations.
In a post on Facebook, officials said the BBMF visitor centre would remain closed until further notice.
No further comment on the circumstances or cause of the accident will be given until after the investigation.
There has also been no timescale on the return of the unit to flying.
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