RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight has been flying and will continue to do so, despite reports

The RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) has been flying and will continue to do so, despite reports that it might never fly again following the death of one of its pilots last year.

Squadron Leader Mark Long was killed when the Spitfire he was flying crashed in a field in Lincolnshire, and the investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing.

According to a report in the Daily Mail, one aviation expert fears the BBMF might be grounded due to a "risk-averse" culture at the MOD.

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However, the Ministry of Defence refutes the claim, which came from Terry Holloway, a retired RAF group captain and former BBMF engineering officer.

A spokesman said the safety of personnel was the "top priority".

"A full and independent service inquiry is working thoroughly to investigate the circumstances of the accident and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time while the inquiry is ongoing," the spokesman said.

"The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight concluded its display flying for 2024 and is now focusing on the maintenance of the historic aircraft, with the aim of having the majority of the aircraft available to fly early in 2025."

One of the aircraft in the BBMF, Avro Lancaster PA474, has continued flying extensively since it returned to the skies at the end of July, while Spitfire PM631 also flew in October after an extensive maintenance programme.

But Rolls-Royce Merlin-powered Spitfires and Hurricanes remain grounded while the investigation into Sqn Ldr Long's death continues.