The RAF pilot who died in a Spitfire crash Lincolnshire on Saturday has been named.
Squadron Leader Mark Long died after his spitfire crashed into a field near RAF Coningsby.
The RAF paid tribute to the pilot, describing him as a "great friend, colleague, and a passionate, professional aviator."
A spokesperson has asked members of the public to respect the privacy of Mark's family.
Squadron Leader Mark LongRAF/SubmittedCommander Display Air Wing Group Captain Robbie Lees said: "“It is with great sorrow that I must confirm the death of Squadron Leader Mark Long.
“Mark was a Typhoon pilot here at RAF Coningsby and for the last four years he has been a pilot with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. A great friend, colleague and a passionate, professional aviator, he will be sorely missed by all that knew him.
“An investigation into the cause of this tragic event has now begun. The RAF will not be offering any comment on the accident until that investigation has concluded, and likewise we ask others not to speculate.
"I would like to extend a sincere thank you to the RAF personnel, and our emergency services colleagues who responded so swiftly yesterday. Our thoughts remain with Mark’s family and friends to whom we offer our deepest sympathies. We ask that their privacy be respected at this tragic and shocking time."
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Squadron Leader Mark Long
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On Saturday, William and Kate said on their Kensington Palace X account: "Incredibly sad to hear of the news this afternoon from RAF Coningsby.
"Our thoughts this evening are with the pilot’s loved ones, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, and the wider RAF family. W & C."
William was Honorary Air Commodore of RAF Coningsby from 2008 to August 2023, when he handed the role over to Kate.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer also paid tribute. Lincolnshire Police said it was a single occupant aircraft and nobody else was involved.
Emergency services at the scene in Lincolnshire
Submitted
Mr Sunak said in a post on X: "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.”
Sir Keir said: "Deeply saddened by news from Lincolnshire. Thank you to the emergency services for their response. My thoughts are with the pilot’s family at this awful time."
