A pilot killed in a Spitfire crash in Lincolnshire has been named.
O Royal Air Force (RAF) said it was with “great sadness” that it was possible to confirm the death of Squadron Leader Mark Long.
Emergency crews were called to the scene on Langrick Road in Coningsby following reports of a plane crashing just before 1.20pm on Saturday.
Group Captain Robbie Lees said: “Mark was a Typhoon pilot here at RAF Coningsby and for the last four years he has been a Battle of Britain Memorial Flight pilot.
“A great friend, colleague and passionate professional aviator, he will be missed by all who knew him.”
Long, who leaves behind two children, began flying as a child when he attended air shows with his family.
He joined the RAF and eventually went on to fly the Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jet.
An investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing.
Capt Lees continued: “I would like to extend a sincere thank you to the RAF personnel and our emergency services colleagues who responded so quickly yesterday.
“Our thoughts remain with Mark’s family and friends, to whom we offer our deepest condolences. We ask that your privacy is respected at this tragic and shocking time.”
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RAF Coningsby is home to the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, a collection of wartime fighters and bombers that take part in air shows and memorial displays.
Lincolnshire Police said the pilot was the “sole occupant of the aircraft” and he died on the spot.
After the pilot’s death, tributes were paid by the Prince and Princess of Wales, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and labor leader Sir Keir Starmer.
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