Battle of Britain Memorial Flight to miss IOW Armed Forces Day event
Investigations are continuing into a fatal Spitfire crash last month
Bosses of the Isle of Wight Armed Forces Day celebrations have confirmed that the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) will not take part in Sunday's (June 30th) event.
The display remains grounded while investigations continue into a fatal Spitfire crash last month.
43-year-old pilot Squadron Leader Mark Long was killed when the Spitfire he was flying crashed in a field at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, just minutes after taking off, on May 25th.
Two BBMF Spitfires were due to put on a spectacular 'chase display' over Ryde this weekend, but that has now been cancelled while the cause of the crash is investigated.
Ian Dore, Isle of Wight Armed Forces Day organiser, said:
"This announcement will obviously resonate disappointment, but safety remains the number one priority.
"I would personally like to thank the teams at BBMF and the RAF for showing incredible resilience at what is still a very difficult time for all concerned. Our thoughts remain with the Squadron Leader Mark Long and his family.
"People may ask, can we add a civilian aircraft? The fact is, we did try but even at the time, we're way out of the licensing window as non-military aircraft are subject to CAA rules.
"We could have bought in military aircraft with no restriction, but despite further requests, there are none available. It is a shame but as I say, safety is the priority."
The event will still feature a display from the Red Arrows at 11.30am on Sunday, while the Royal Navy Parachute display team will be landing on the beach at 4pm.