RAF pilot dies after Spitfire crashes in field near Coningsby base in Lincolnshire
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A pilot has died after a Spitfire crashed in a field near an RAF base in Lincolnshire.
Emergency crews were called to the scene on Langrick Road in Coningsby following reports the plane went down shortly before 1.20pm.
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.”
Tributes have come in from people including Prince William and Princess Kate, Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer.
Lincolnshire Police said the male pilot was the “sole occupant of the aircraft” and he died at the scene.
“Police are not in a position to confirm his name but his next of kin have been informed,” a force spokesperson said.
“Nobody else is thought to have been injured as a result.”
An investigation into the cause of the crash is under way.
RAF Coningsby is home to the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, a collection of wartime fighter and bomber aircraft that take part in air shows and memorial displays.
The RAF said it was “working with the emergency services and supporting those involved”.
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Paying tribute to the pilot, The Prince and Princess of Wales said they are “incredibly sad” to hear of the death of a Royal Air Force pilot in a Spitfire crash near RAF Coningsby, in Lincolnshire.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak wrote 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.”
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said he was “deeply saddened” by the news from Lincolnshire.
Speaking on X, he said: “Thank you to the emergency services for their response. My thoughts are with the pilot’s family at this awful time.”
Road closures are in place in the areas of Dogdyke Road and Sandy Bank.
Motorists have been asked to avoid the area and seek alternative routes.
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch said it was aware of the incident but it was not involved as it was a military investigation.
