RAF pilot dies after Spitfire plane crashes into field during Battle of Britain airshow event at RAF Coningsby
AN RAF pilot has died after a horror Spitfire crash during a Battle of Britain event, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed.
The aircraft came down at around 1.20pm this afternoon at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire.
Photos from the scene show emergency services gathered around the wreckage of the plane just feet away from a house.
It had been taking part in a civilian airshow just nine miles from the base to commemorate the RAF’s role in fending off German attacks during the Second World War.
This year represents the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.
The crash has been described as a “tragic accident” by officials but an investigation has been opened into the cause.
The identity of the pilot has not yet been confirmed.
Police an ambulance crews raced to the scene this afternoon and a rescue helicopter was seen in the area.
Sadly, it has since been confirmed that they were unable to save the plane’s occupant.
The pilot was flying solo and nobody else is believed to have been injured.
Motorists are being urged to avoid the area and “find alternative routes” as the plane is cleared and the scene examined.
Road closures remain in place in the areas of Dogdyke Road and Sandy Bank.
A statement from the MoD posted on X read: “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 has been informed and we ask that their privacy is respected at this time.”
Lincolnshire Police added: “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 25 May) 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.”
The force is seeking any witnesses to the crash and wishes to see any footage related to it.
Anyone who can provide information about the case should call 101 or email force.control@lincs.police.uk and quote incident 221 of 25/5/24.
What is a Spitfire?
Spitfires played a crucial role in the war, especially during the Battle of Britain which earned the plane’s power status.
Designed as a short-range, high-performance plane, over 20,300 Spitfires were built to secure British success during WW2.
The Battle of Britain, which lasted for several months between July and October of 1940, cemented its place in history as a turning point in the war.
It proved to be a watershed moment for the Nazis’ territorial aims as they then shifted their focus to conquering Britain.
Aware of the resilience of the RAF, German aircrafts bombarded British airfield bases until the autumn of 1940.
But eventually the Luftwaffe and Hitler’s designs on Britain were wrestled away from the Nazis after Britian won air superiority, in large part thanks to the legendary fighter plane.