William and Kate issue statement after RAF pilot killed in Spitfire crash
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer also paid tribute after the crash in Lincolnshire
Your support helps us to tell the story
This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.
The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.
Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.
The Prince and Princess of Wales have said they are “incredibly sad” after a Royal Air Force pilot died in a Spitfire crash near RAF Coningsby.
Police and emergency services rushed to the scene on Langrick Road in Lincolnshire just before 1.20pm on Saturday.
The Spitfire of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) was flying near the air station when the crash took place.
The male pilot, who has not yet been named, was declared dead at the scene.
Have you been affected by this? Email andy.gregory@independent.co.uk
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.
Prime MinisterRishi Sunak and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer also paid tribute.
An MoD 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.
“The pilot’s family have been informed and we ask that their privacy is respected at this difficult time.”
An investigation is due to take place.
Lincolnshire Police said it was a single occupant aircraft and nobody else was involved.
The East Midlands Ambulance Service sent a “number of resources”, including a paramedic and a helicopter ambulance.
Road closures are in place in the areas of Dogdyke Road and Sandy Bank, with motorists urged to avoid the area.
RAF Coningsby 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.
Mr Sunak said in a post on X: “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.”
Sir Keir said: “Deeply saddened by news from Lincolnshire. Thank you to the emergency services for their response. My thoughts are with the pilot’s family at this awful time.”
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.