RAF pilot dies in Spitfire crash
Pilot killed in field near RAF Coningsby
An RAF pilot has died after a Spitfire crashed in a field near RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire.
The pilot was the sole occupant of the aircraft, which crashed at around 11am on Saturday.
A Lincolnshire Police spokesperson said: "We were called to a report of a plane crash in a field near RAF Coningsby at 11.10am today.
"Sadly, the pilot of the plane was pronounced dead at the scene."
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has been informed and will be carrying out an investigation into the crash.
The Ministry of Defence said in a statement: "We can confirm that an RAF pilot has died following a Spitfire crash near RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire today."
"The pilot was the sole occupant of the aircraft and sadly died at the scene."
"Our thoughts are with the pilot's family and friends at this difficult time."
The crash is the second fatal incident involving a Spitfire in the UK in recent months.
In August last year, a pilot was killed when his Spitfire crashed in a field near Shoreham Airport in Sussex.
The AAIB is still investigating the cause of that crash.
The Spitfire was a British single-seat fighter aircraft that was used by the Royal Air Force and other Allied air forces during World War II.
It is one of the most iconic aircraft in history and remains popular with airshow enthusiasts today.
Conclusion
The death of an RAF pilot in a Spitfire crash is a tragic reminder of the dangers that pilots face when flying these historic aircraft.
Our thoughts are with the pilot's family and friends at this difficult time.
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