Long journey of recovery for Battle of Britain Memorial Flight after fatal Spitfire crash
RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) have paid tribute to "dear friend" Squadron Leader Mark Long regarding his tragic loss.
"Mark touched so many lives and was close to so many people's hearts especially those who had the honour of working so closely with him on 29 Sqn and BBMF", Squadron Leader Mark Sugden, Commanding Officer of the BBMF said.
On Friday it was announced that the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight would not participate in D-Day 80 commemorations as it remains grounded in the wake of the fatal Spitfire crash.
"We now start a long journey of recovering from this tragedy," Sqn Ldr Sugden.
The Commanding Officer of the BBMF added that he would like to personally thank all those who were part of the immediate response last Saturday.
He added: "The energy services, personnel from RAF Coningsby and the wider military community could not have done more for Mark.
"Our thoughts are now with his family, oh whom he was so devoted and proud."
The Defence Air Investigation Branch is continuing its investigation into the accident which claimed the life of Typhoon and BBMF pilot Sqn Ldr 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.
The RAF spokesperson added: "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.
Sqn Ldr Sugden added: "Words cannot adequately convey the loss of such a dear friend.
"I have been overwhelmed by the support and well wishes and tributes that the team and I have received which speaks so eloquently of the remarkable man Mark was."
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 mission is to maintain the aircraft of national heritage in airworthy condition 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.
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