A pilot of the Royal Air Force was killed in the crash of a Spitfire aircraft belonging to the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight in East England on Saturday, officials announced. The World War II-era fighter plane was flying near the Coningsby Royal Air Force base in Lincolnshire when it fell in a field shortly after noon (12:00 GMT). Police and emergency services rushed to the scene, where the pilot, whose name has not yet been disclosed, was pronounced dead.
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: "We deeply regret to confirm the death of a Royal Air Force pilot in a tragic incident near Royal Air Force Coningsby today." He added, "The pilot’s family has been informed and we ask that their privacy is respected during this difficult time." Local police stated that the aircraft had only one occupant and that no one else was involved in the incident. An investigation is set to be opened.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed his condolences to the pilot's family and loved ones in a post on social media platform X following the "tragic event." Opposition leader Keir Starmer said he felt "deep sadness" over the news. The Coningsby base hosts a collection of war-era fighter planes and bombers, participating in air shows and memorial displays. There are only a few dozen airworthy Spitfire aircraft remaining, including six stationed at the Royal Air Force base in Coningsby.
