RAF Coningsby has paid tribute to Squadron Leader Mark Long, who was killed in a Spitfire crash near the base.
"A great friend, colleague and a passionate, professional aviator, he will be sorely missed by all that knew him," said Group Captain Robbie Lees, Commander Display Air Wing.
Sqn Ldr Long was a Typhoon pilot at RAF Coningsby and for the last four years has been a pilot with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
— Royal Air Force (@RoyalAirForce) May 26, 2024An official statement from Group Captain Robbie Lees, Commander Display Air Wing, following the RAF Coningsby accident.
Read the full statement here: https://t.co/jPLjs1jZQCpic.twitter.com/zC74ratdw4
The RAF's Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF), which operates fromConingsbyin Lincolnshire, has the mission of maintaining the artefacts of national heritage in airworthy condition.
This is to commemorate those who have fallen in the service. The RAF BBMF also promotes the modern-day Royal Air Force and hopes to inspire future generations.
Gp Capt Leescontinued his tribute saying: "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."
Sqn Ldr Long was killed when the Spitfire he was flying crashed in a field in Lincolnshire. An investigation into the cause of the crash is currently underway.
The Prince and Princess of Wales also paid tribute to the RAF pilot, calling the incident "incredibly sad".
Incredibly sad to hear of the news this afternoon from RAF Coningsby. Our thoughts this evening are with the pilot’s loved ones, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, and the wider RAF family. W & C
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) May 25, 2024
Prince William and Princess Kate said via their Kensington Palace X account: "Incredibly sad to hear of the news this afternoon fromRAFConingsby.
"Our thoughts this evening are with the pilot's loved ones, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, and the widerRAFfamily. W & C."
Prince William was Honorary Air Commodore ofRAFConingsby from 2008 to August 2023, when he handed the role over to his wife.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer also paid tribute.
Mr Sunak said: "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."
"Deeply saddened by news from Lincolnshire," said Sir Keir. "Thank you to the emergency services for their response. My thoughts are with the pilot's family at this awful time."
Defence SecretaryGrant Shapp said on X: "My thoughts are with Squadron Leader Mark Long's family and friends at this tragic time, I offer them my deepest condolences. He will be sorely missed by all whose lives he touched."
— Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP (@grantshapps) May 26, 2024My thoughts are with Squadron Leader Mark Long’s family and friends at this tragic time, I offer them my deepest condolences.
See AlsoFormer MOTD star Mark Lawrenson claims BBC threatened axe over handbag quipMark Grant a dad first to autistic son, then a Padres broadcasterInside Out 2 Director Kelsey Mann & Producer Mark Nielsen On The Long Journey To Pixar’s Sequel'A passionate aviator': RAF pilot killed in Spitfire crash named as Mark LongHe will be sorely missed by all whose lives he touched. https://t.co/9snNoXDv98
Tributes toSqn Ldr Long continue to be paid from across the military family.
Very sad news from RAF Coningsby today where one of our pilots lost their life. My thoughts are with the pilot’s family and all those affected by this tragic accident. https://t.co/whgMiXLLDR
— ACM Sir Rich Knighton (@ChiefofAirStaff) May 25, 2024
— Tim Davies ?? (@timdavies_uk) May 26, 2024I flew with Mark for a few years on 208 Sqn on Hawk T1, one of the very best instructors we had.
He was always smiling, a guy who made the Squadron a happy place on even the most miserable of days - the kind of guy you really missed if he wasn't around.https://t.co/gjDk3Ybgnx
— Matt Smart (@MattSmartie999) May 26, 2024RIP Squadron Leader Mark Long
I took this photo on the 12th May 2021 at RAF Coningsby. Mark was looking round the Hurricane aircraft with the former BBMF boss “Disco”
Great pilot, I saw him fly for the RAF Typhoon Display team and the BBMF.
Blue skies. #rafconingsby#BBMFpic.twitter.com/a6F878Qm8r
Truly sad news @RoyalAirForce confirms pilot Sqn Ldr Mark Long died in yesterday's @RAFBBMF Spitfire accident.
— John Nichol ✈ (@JohnNicholRAF) May 26, 2024
Mark was an expert aviator & due to take command of BBMF later this year.
A tragic loss for his family, friends & the wider aviation community.
RIP Schlongy. Blue skies. pic.twitter.com/l4pxF6UNrf
— Eurofighter Typhoon (@eurofighter) May 27, 2024We are deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Squadron Leader Mark Long.
Eurofighter extends our heartfelt condolences to Mark’s family, as well as his colleagues and friends at RAF Coningsby. https://t.co/Bg6Ylh7Hmu
Such sad news as the @RoyalAirForce confirms pilot Sqn Ldr Mark Long died in yesterday's @RAFBBMF Spitfire accident.
— Mandy (@MandyHickson) May 26, 2024
Mark was due to take command of BBMF l
A tragic loss for his family and friends
Per Ardua ad Astra… Blue skies. pic.twitter.com/hB4ZTirCGd
Everyone at RAF Odiham is deeply saddened by this tragic news. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Squadron Leader Mark Long and his colleagues at RAF Coningsby. https://t.co/9YRck53X8r
— RAF Odiham (@RAF_Odiham) May 26, 2024
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