A British Air Force pilot was killed on Saturday May 25 in the crash of his Spitfire, a fighter that took part in the Battle of Britain in 1940, authorities announced. The World War II plane was flying near Coningsby Air Force Base in eastern England when it crashed in a field shortly after 1:00 p.m. (12:00 GMT).
Police and emergency responders rushed to the scene, where the pilot, whose identity has not been released, was pronounced dead. “It is with great sadness that we must confirm the death of an RAF (air force) pilot in a tragic accident near Coningsby Air Force Base today.” Saturday, a Defense Ministry spokesperson said.
No one else was involved in the accident. An investigation has been opened. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed his “thoughts” who are with the victim’s relatives after this “tragic event”. Opposition leader Keir Starmer said he was “deeply saddened” by the drama.
Coningsby Base is home to the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, a collection of vintage fighters and bombers which take part in air shows and exhibitions. There are only a few dozen airworthy Spitfires left, six of which are based at Coningsby.
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