A Royal Air Force pilot has died after a Spitfire fighter plane crashed into a field near RAF Coningsby, in Lincolnshire, England.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The Prince and Princess of Wales, who have links to the air station, have said they are "incredibly sad"
The Spitfire of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) was flying nearby when the crash took place on Saturday afternoon local time.
The male pilot, who has not yet been named, was declared dead at the scene.
A ministry of defence spokesperson said: "It is with great sadness that we must confirm the death of an RAF pilot in a tragic accident near RAF Coningsby today.
An investigation is due to take place.
William and Kate said on their Kensington Palace X account: "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."
William was Honorary Air Commodore of RAF Coningsby from 2008 to August 2023, when he handed the role over to Kate.
The base is home to the BBMF, a collection of wartime fighter and bomber aircraft that take part in air shows and memorial displays.
Only a few dozen airworthy Spitfires remain, including six that belong to the BBMF.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said in a post on X, formerly twitter: "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."
The Spitfire was made famous during the battle of Britain in 1940 when the RAF's air supremacy prevented Adolf Hitler from launching an invasion of Britain.
Australian Associated Press
