Pilot dies after Spitfire crashes in field outside RAF base

Officers from Lincolnshire police attended the scene just before 1.20pm.

Sadly, the the Ministry of Defence has now confirmed the pilot has died.

A Ministry of Defence spokesperson 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."

A nearby resident told GB News: "It was definitely a spitfire. But it sounded sluggish when it took off at about 1.20pm. It had just took off and we could hear it cough and splutter. It was about 100m in the air.

"I saw it turn to the left and flip over. We couldn't see it over the trees. There was about five to eight fire engines and the Helimed too."

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A spokesperson from Lincolnshire Police said: "We are sad to confirm that a man has died after a plane crashed into a field on Langrick Road in Coningsby earlier today.

"The man was the pilot and sole occupant of the aircraft. Police are not in a position to confirm his name but his next of kin have been informed. Nobody else is thought to have been injured as a result.

"The incident was called into police just before 1.20pm today (Saturday, May 25) and emergency services were immediately dispatched to the scene.

"Sadly, the injuries the pilot sustained were not survivable and he was declared deceased at the scene. Investigations are ongoing into the cause."

Sir Keir Starmer said he was "deeply saddened" by news from Lincolnshire that a pilot died after a Spitfire crashed in a field.

The Labour leader said in a post on X: "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."

Rishi Sunak paid tribute to the pilot after the "tragic event." The Prime Minister said 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."

GB News has approached Battle of Britain Memorial Flight for a comment.