RAF Lossiemouth Typhoons take to the air for flypast in tribute to Spitfire crash victim
Three Typhoon aircraft from RAF Lossiemouth have performed a special flypast in missing man formation in remembrance of the RAF pilot who lost his life at the weekend.
Squadron Leader Mark Long was involved in a Spitfire crash and an investigation is under way following the accident.
He was a Typhoon pilot at RAF Coningsby and had been a pilot with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight for the last four years.
Sqn Ldr Long died when his aircraft came down in a field in Lincolnshire on Saturday.
Crash investigators have appealed for images or video of the Spitfire involved in a crash.
The Defence Accident Investigation Branch (DAIB) requested help from the public to get a clearer picture of what happened.
RAF Coningsby posted the update on its Facebook page and has asked that any content be sent to: [email protected] along with a phone number where people can be contacted.
In a post accompanying the Typhoon flypast tribute, RAF Lossiemouth added the RAF's motto, 'Per ardua ad astra', which translates as 'Through Adversity to the Stars', highlighting the Royal Air Force spirit.
The Prince and Princess of Wales joined many others in paying tribute to Sqn Ldr Long.
On their Kensington Palace X account, the royal couple 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 aims to maintain 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.
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