BBMF Spifire lost in UK - pilot killed
 

I know Langrick Road very well - we've gone past Coningsby on this road so many times over the years - it's just a few miles from here

Not only a piteous loss to his family and friends but also a valuable asset lost to the RAF

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-englan...shire-69062769

F
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A sad day, the irreplaceable loss of a very special pilot and his machine.

This is a sad day in the loss of an irreplaceable aircraft and even more so, a young man and Pilot. Memorial day is a day to remember the sacrifices of those that made the ultimate sacrifice. Ironically, it was the Spitfires and Hawker Hurricanes and their excellent Pilots in WW2 that preserved the lives of those in England in her darkest hours in the battles of Britain and beyond. It was men like Sqn Ldr Mark Long that answered that call and it's always painful to lose them. :Kaleun_Salute:

Looks as though they maybe persevered with the event at Coningsby as a B-17 flew low right over our house yesterday

They figure out what happened yet?

Engine trouble and/or failure soon after takeoff is the current speculation. Pilot couldn't punch out of course and likely didn't have a lot of options available at that point. We'll see what comes from the final report. A very sad event indeed. Despite the severe damage to the aircraft it probably is restorable. You can do that with any machine but not a human life unfortunately.

Thanks. Such a sad story.

So tragic.

I saw on the News that the BBMF (Battle of Britain Memorial Flight) is grounded until checks are completed

That decision was taken almost immediately after the crash Glynn.

They sure would've stirred the crowds at the D-Day commemorations - such a shame they didn't get to hear those merlins

^ True that :yep: