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.