A Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) Spitfire has crashed at RAF Coningsby while preparing to perform a flyover at nearby East Kirkby.
Squadron Leader Mark Long was killed when Spitfire Mk.IXe MK356 came down near the base. Sqn. Ldr. Long was a former RAF Typhoon display pilot, and had shortly been due to assume command of the BBMF.
The BBMF is a squadron of the Royal Air Force dedicated to displaying historic RAF aircraft, including a Lancaster, Dakota, two Hurricanes and numerous Spitfires.
The cause of the accident will be investigated and the BBMF has been temporarily grounded.