WW2 fighters cleared to fly after pilot death

World War Two fighter aircraft grounded after a fatal crash are to fly again, the RAF has said.

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) stopped using its Merlin-engined Hurricanes and Spitfires following the death of Sqn Ldr Mark Long on 25 May 2024.

The pilot was killed when the Spitfire he was flying crashed in a field near RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire.

In a social media post, the BBMF said it would be flying all its aircraft again during this year's display season.

The unit, based at RAF Coningsby, operates five Spitfires, two Hurricanes, a Lancaster bomber and a Dakota transport aircraft, which are flown by crew from regular RAF squadrons.

Its Lancaster was grounded after the crash as it used Merlin engines, but was cleared to fly in July last year.

In a Facebook post, the BBMF said: "We look forward to seeing you around the country and having a great display season celebrating the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, and 80th anniversaries of VE and VJ Day."

Sqn Ldr Long was flying the Spitfire to take part in a display when the aircraft crashed.

An inquest heard he died as a result of head and neck injuries.

The cause of the crash is being investigated by the Defence Accident Investigation Branch.

A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: "We can confirm that the RAF has cleared Merlin powered Hurricane and Spitfires to return to flying this season.

"Whilst the investigation into the fatal accident involving Spitfire Mk IXe MK356 on 25 May 24 continues, all available evidence has been considered in making the decision to return to flying."

Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.