The 2022 fatal crash involving a Spitfire had a near-miss.

Over the weekend, Squadron Leader Mark Long was killed when a Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) Spitfire, registered as MK356, crashed in Lincolnshire. The event happened close to RAF Coningsby, thus emergency personnel responded right away.

The Spitfire has encountered danger previously. The same aircraft nearly escaped tragedy in May 2022 when, as a result of a small technical issue, it drifted off the runway during landing at RAF Coningsby. Fortunately, that occurrence did not result in any injuries.

MK356 has a long history because it was built at Castle Bromwich and was part of the Royal Canadian Air Force’s 443 “Hornet” Squadron. It took part in vital missions in World War II, assisting the D-Day invasion and engaging in combat over occupied France.

Group Captain Robbie Lees called Squadron Leader Mark Long a “great friend” who will be much missed, as tributes to him flooded in. All BBMF flights have been temporarily grounded while the crash investigation is ongoing.

The RAF has announced a pause in flying for the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight while a formal investigation into the tragic Spitfire crash is underway. Further details are awaited as the investigation progresses.