A British Royal Air Force (RAF) pilot has died after a Supermarine Spitfire crashed in a field near Coningsby air force base in Lincolnshire, UK.
Lincolnshire Police confirmed that they were notified of the incident shortly before 13:20 on May 25, 2024, and emergency services were dispatched to the field on Langrick Road in Coningsby.
The police said in a statement that the pilot, who was the sole occupant of the Spitfire, sustained injuries that were “not survivable” and he was declared deceased at the scene.
In a statement a spokesperson for the RAF 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.”
— RAF Coningsby (@RAFConingsby) May 25, 2024
Two hours earlier, the RAF had said that it was aware of an incident in the vicinity of RAF Coningsby involving one of its aircraft and staff were working with emergency services.
RAF Coningsby is home to the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and houses a collection of vintage fighter and bomber aircraft that take part in displays.
It is understood that the aircraft crashed while it was taking part in a display show.
Paying tribute to the pilot the UK’s Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, wrote on social media: “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.”
The Prince and Princess of Wales added to the tributes and said they are “incredibly sad” to hear of the death of the RAF pilot.
3 comments
Condolences to the RAF and the pilot’s family for that big loss.
That “submarine” designation for the Spitfire must be an unconscious typo.
The Supermarine Spitfire was built in numerous Mark types, and no mention if it’s one of the Griffon RR or built by Castle Bromwich, etc.
Yes, from Malaysia and an aircraft enthusiast, I sincerely offer my condolences to the family of the serving RAF pilot at Coningsby. May his soul rest in peace.
The RAF pilot didn’t deserve this; in air crashes or disasters, none deserve them. What is required and a must
are the reasons behind these accidents. Merely pounding the keyboard to print something and announce the mishap
isn’t enough. A lot of accuracy in reportage is paramount. The concentration in having “feelings” for such disasters
doesn’t help the victim(s) and families as to what happened. They deserve better!