RAF Coningsby pays tribute to 'passionate' pilot who was killed in Spitfire crash

RAF Coningsby has paid tribute to Squadron Leader Mark Long, who was killed in a Spitfire crash near the base.

"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.

Sqn Ldr Long was a Typhoon pilot at RAF Coningsby and for the last four years has been a pilot with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

The RAF's Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF), which operates from Coningsby in Lincolnshire, has the mission of maintaining the artefacts of national heritage in airworthy condition.

This is to commemorate those who have fallen in the service. The RAF BBMF also promotes the modern-day Royal Air Force and hopes to inspire future generations.

Gp Capt Lees continued his tribute saying: "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."

Sqn Ldr Long was killed when the Spitfire he was flying crashed in a field in Lincolnshire. An investigation into the cause of the crash is currently underway.

The Prince and Princess of Wales also paid tribute to the RAF pilot, calling the incident "incredibly sad".

Prince William and Princess Kate said via their Kensington Palace X account: "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."

Prince William was Honorary Air Commodore of RAF Coningsby from 2008 to August 2023, when he handed the role over to his wife.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer also paid tribute.

Mr Sunak said: "Awful news to see the life of a serving RAF pilot cut short in this tragic event. My thoughts are with their family and loved ones."

"Deeply saddened by news from Lincolnshire," said Sir Keir. "Thank you to the emergency services for their response. My thoughts are with the pilot's family at this awful time."

Defence Secretary Grant Shapp said on X: "My thoughts are with Squadron Leader Mark Long's family and friends at this tragic time, I offer them my deepest condolences. He will be sorely missed by all whose lives he touched."

Tributes to Sqn Ldr Long continue to be paid from across the military family.