Pilot is killed in Spitfire crash: Tragedy as WW2 aircraft plunges into a field during Battle of Britain event at RAF Coningsby
- The single-seater plane crashed during the event just before 1:20 p.m
- Did you see the Spitfire crash? Email: elena.salvoni@mailonline.co.uk
The Royal Air Force has confirmed that a Spitfire pilot has been killed in a crash during a Battle of Britain event near RAF Coningsby, Lincolnshire.
“It is with great sadness that we must today confirm the death of an RAF pilot in a tragic accident near RAF Coningsby,” the statement said.
“The pilot’s family has been informed and we ask that privacy is respected at this difficult time.”
Tributes have been paid to the pilot, who has not yet been named, including from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who wrote on X: ‘Terrible news to see the life of a serving RAF pilot cut short by this tragic event. My thoughts are with their family and loved ones.”
Emergency services arrived after reports of an accident in a field on Langrick Road, which occurred around 1.20pm.
Firefighters from Horncastle, Woodhall Spa, a rescue team from Louth and a helicopter attended the scene.
A Spitfire crashed in a field during a Battle of Britain event at RAF Coningsby just before 1.20pm
Emergency services arrived after reports of a plane crashing with one occupant into a field on Langrick Road (stock image)
A spokesperson for Lincolnshire Police previously said: ‘Emergency services are attending following reports of a plane crashing in a field just before 1.20pm.
‘It is believed to be a single-occupant aircraft with no one else involved.
“There are road closures in the Dogdyke Road and Sandy Bank areas.”
The RAF published a statement via X saying: ‘We are aware of an incident in the area of RAF Coningsby involving an RAF aircraft.
‘We work together with the emergency services and support those involved.’
Authorities asked motorists to avoid the area and find other routes for their journey.
According to Gloucestershire Live it was a Supermarine Spitfire aircraft previously used both before and after World War II.
The aircraft was designed by RJ Mitchell and was famous for its role during the Battle of Britain.
The unique elliptical wings provided a perfect combination of power and speed in the air.
The location where the Spitfire crashed in a field on Langrick Road near RAF Coningsby
Exactly 20,531 Spitfires were built between 1939 and 1948, many of which varied in roles and engine types.
It is believed that there are currently around 60 Spitfires in service, spread around the world.
Several others are also preserved in museums, private collections and exhibitions, bringing the total number of Spitfires to an estimated 240.
Police have asked anyone with information to contact them by calling 101 and quoting 221 of May 25, 2024.