Mark Long. Photo and video: Instagram @marklong_pilot
Squadron Leader Mark Long, a pilot of the Royal Air Force (RAF), passed away in a tragic accident with a Spitfire aircraft near RAF Coningsby base in Lincolnshire on Saturday.
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Group Captain Robbie Lees, commander of the RAF’s Air Display Wing, confirmed the identity of the pilot. The accident occurred on Saturday morning (May 25), as the historic plane was flying over the Humberside area. The Spitfire crashed into a field around 1:20 PM, with only the pilot onboard. Lincolnshire Police confirmed the accident and the presence of emergency teams at the scene.
Captain Lees paid tribute to the pilot: “Mark Long served as a Typhoon pilot at RAF Coningsby and for the last four years as a pilot of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. He was a great friend, colleague, and a passionate and professional aviator. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.”
He also thanked the emergency teams and RAF personnel who responded promptly to the accident. “Our thoughts are with Mark’s family and friends during this difficult time. We ask that their privacy be respected,” added Lees.
The incident occurred just days after an emergency response exercise involving the RAF Coningsby team and RAF Donna Nook troops, preparing for possible air accidents. The exercise included simulations of a helicopter crash with fatalities and a major environmental spill, with participation from police, fire, and ambulance services.
This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team. Photo and video: Instagram @marklong_pilot
