Pilot killed after WW2 spitfire crashes during Battle of Britain celebration

The Ministry of Defence has asked for respect for the privacy of the person’s family at this time.

An RAF pilot died after the World War Two spitfire he was flying crashed during a Battle of Britain event.

The pilot, who has yet been named, was behind the controls of a WW2-era Spitfire plane that hurtled to earth in a field close to RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire during a Battle of Britain day celebration.

A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: “It is with great sadness that we must confirm the death of an RAF pilot in a tragic accident near RAF Coningsby today.

‘The pilot’s family have been informed and we ask that their privacy is respected at this difficult time.’

The BBC reports emergency services were called to the site of the crash shortly before 1.30pm on Saturday.

This included fire crews from nearby Horncastle, Woodhall Spa.

The East Midlands Ambulance Service is said to have sent in a “number of resources”, including a paramedic and a helicopter ambulance.

An officer with Lincolnshire Police has said there was nobody else involved in the incident with the single occupant aircraft.

Teams are understood to remain at the scene off Langrick Road, near the RAF station perimeter.

Road closures are also in place along Dogdyke and Sandybank. 

Motorists are being asked to find alternative routes. 

A BBC reporter on the ground has been quoted as saying the aircraft was ‘belly down, with no sign of its landing gear,’ adding it had landed ‘very close to a bungalow.’

Rishi Sunak said in a post on X: ‘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.’

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

The Prince and Princess of Wales added they are ‘incredibly sad’ to hear of the incident.

An investigation is understood to have already been launched. 

RAF Coningsby is home to the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, a collection of wartime fighter and bomber aircraft that take part in air shows and memorial displays.

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