Engine Fire Cripples RAF's Lancaster Ahead Of VE Day Flight

The RAF's only flying Lancaster Bomber is unlikely to be able to perform a VE Day commemoration flypast after suffering an engine fire.

The aircraft, one of only two in the world still flying, was on a practice run when it caught fire.

The crew escaped unharmed after returning to RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire.

An assessment of the damage caused to the Lancaster 'Thumper' Mk I is ongoing, although the Battle of Britain memorial flight aircraft is expected to be fully repaired. 

It had been due to take part in a flypast with Hurricanes, Spitfires and current RAF fighters on Sunday. 

7,377 Lancasters were built between 1941 and 1946 although thousands were lost along with their aircrews during the Second World War.

The only other surviving Lancaster, nicknamed 'Vera' is based in Ontario, Canada - although the two aircraft were reunited last year in a historic tour of 60 venues across the UK.  

Last week the crew of an RAF Avro Anson were finally laid to rest, 71 years after they disappeared along with their aircraft.