LONDON, UK: A British Royal Air Force pilot has died after a Spitfire belonging to the Battle of Britain memorial fleet crashed in eastern England on Saturday, officials said.
The World War II fighter jet was flying near RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire when it plunged into a field shortly after 1pm (1200 GMT).
Emergency services and Police reached the scene where the pilot, who has not yet been named, was pronounced dead.
“It is with great sadness that we have to confirm today the death of an RAF pilot in a tragic accident near RAF Coningsby,” a Ministry of Defence spokesman said.
“The pilot’s family has been informed and we ask that their privacy be respected at this difficult time.”
Local police said it was a one-person plane and no one else was involved.
There is to be an investigation.
In a post on the X, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said his “thoughts” were with the victim’s family and loved ones following the “tragic event”.
Opposition Leader Keir Starmer said he was “deeply saddened” by the news.
RAF Coningsby is home to the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, a collection of fighter and bomber aircraft that take part in air shows and memorial displays.
Only a few dozen airworthy Spitfires remain, including six at RAF Coningsby.
