"It's extremely important that we continue flying" - a year on from RAF pilot death
Squadron Leader Mark Long was killed when his spitfire crashed during a memorial flight on May 25th 2024.
One year on from the death of an RAF pilot in Lincolnshire, we've been hearing about the importance of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
Squadron Leader Mark Long was killed when his spitfire crashed during a memorial flight from RAF Coningsby.
The Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre are flying Lancaster's and Spitfire at an event on the anniversary, 25th May, where they'll honour Squadron leader Long.
"It's very important that the flying still continues, " said Manager of the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre, Andrew Panton.
"The war birds are kept air worthy and flying in the UK because of what they represent and the memories they cause.
"It certainly doesn't want to be an incident that curbs that or stops that from happening, I'm sure Squadron Leader Long wouldn't want that to be the case.
"It's extremely important that we continue flying them and preserving them for generations to come."
The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) is a Royal Air Force flight that preserves and displays iconic aircraft from World War II, serving as a living memorial to the aircrews of that era.
Based at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, the BBMF operates a fleet of eleven historic aircraft, including Spitfires, Hurricanes, an Avro Lancaster, and a C-47 Dakota.
It is understood that Squadron Leader Long issued Mayday call soon after take off on 25th May 2025.
His Spitfire was seen turning just before it plunged to the ground.
"I think he had a lasting effect on Bomber flying in the UK," said Andrew Panton.
"It's something that certainly won't be forgotten and it did have a huge impact a year ago when it happened.
"It's very poignant for us, we're running the same event this year."