DEADLY PLUNGE
Chilling moment RAF pilot killed in Spitfire crash talks about being ‘careful’ in vintage planes… as tragic post emerges
Mark said he 'could not wait' to fly in the Battle of Britain event
AN RAF pilot talked about being "careful" in vintage planes in a tragic post before he was killed in a Spitfire crash.
Squadron Leader Mark Long was killed when the fighter came down at 1.20pm on Saturday at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire.
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The historic aircraft had been flying in an airshow at the base to mark the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.
Typhoon pilot Mark had taken part in the official memorial flight for four years before the horror crash.
Before this year's airshow Mark shared a clip explaining why pilots have to be "careful" flying Second World War aircraft.
He said: "We have landed here with the Hurricane and Spitfire ready for later this afternoon."
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Mark added: "The reason we landed in Gloucester is actually for cross winds.
"You will see what we are operating and why we are so precious about how we pick our winds, surface and flying conditions."
In another post, Mark said: "We are only a few weeks away from getting back flying in these iconic aircraft - cannot wait!"
The Royal Air Force have temporarily grounded the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BMFF) this year after his tragic death.
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The RAF confirmed that while an investigation into the cause of the crash takes place BBMF aircraft will not fly.
A spokesperson said: "Following the tragic accident at RAF Coningsby, and while the formal investigation is ongoing, the RAF has instigated a temporary pause in flying for the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight."
RAF pilot dies after Spitfire plane crashes into field during Battle of Britain airshow event at RAF Coningsby
Captain Robbie Lees, Commander Display Air Wing, named Mark as the pilot killed in the plane crash yesterday.
He said: "It is with great sorrow that I must confirm the death of Squadron Leader Mark Long.
"Mark was a Typhoon pilot at RAF Coningsby and for the last four years he has been a pilot with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
"A great friend, colleague, and a passionate, professional aviator he will be sorely missed by all that knew him."
Captain Lees added: "An investigation into the cause of this tragic event has now begun.
"The RAF will not be offering any comment on the accident until that investigation has concluded, and we ask others not to speculate.
"I would like to extend sincere thanks to the RAF personnel, and our emergency services colleagues who responded so swiftly yesterday.
"Our thoughts remain with Mark’s family and friends to whom we offer our deepest sympathies.
"We ask that their privacy be respected at this tragic and shocking time."
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Cops are now probing the cause of the crash and have appealed for any witnesses or footage.
Anyone who can provide information about the case should call 101 or quoting 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 wrested away from the Nazis after Britain won air superiority, in large part thanks to the legendary fighter plane.
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