AN RAF pilot has died after a Spitfire plane crashed during a Battle of Britain event, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed.
The aircraft came down at around 1.20pm on Saturday during a display at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire.
Photos from the scene show emergency services gathered around the wreckage of the plane just feet away from a house.
It had been taking part in a civilian airshow just nine miles from the base to commemorate the RAF's role in fending off German attacks during the Second World War.
This year represents the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.
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The Prince and Princess of Wales have shared their condolences, saying they were "incredibly sad" to hear of the tragedy.
The crash has been described as a "tragic accident" by officials but an investigation has been opened into the cause.
The identity of the pilot has not yet been confirmed.
Police an ambulance crews raced to the scene this afternoon and a rescue helicopter was seen in the area.
Sadly, it has since been confirmed that they were unable to save the plane's occupant.
The pilot was flying solo and nobody else is believed to have been injured.
Motorists are being urged to avoid the area and "find alternative routes" as the plane is cleared and the scene examined.
Road closures remain in place in the areas of Dogdyke Road and Sandy Bank.
A statement from the MoD posted on X read: "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 has been informed and we ask that their privacy is respected at this time."
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Lincolnshire Police added: "We are sad to confirm that a man has died after a plane crashed into a field on Langrick Road in Coningsby earlier today.
"The man was the pilot and sole occupant of the aircraft. Police are not in a position to confirm his name but his next of kin have been informed. Nobody else is thought to have been injured as a result.
"The incident was called into police just before 1.20pm today (Saturday, May 25) and emergency services were immediately dispatched to the scene.
"Sadly, the injuries the pilot sustained were not survivable and he was declared deceased at the scene.
"Investigations are ongoing into the cause."
The force is seeking any witnesses to the crash and wishes to see any footage related to it.
Anyone who can provide information about the case should call 101 or email force.control@lincs.police.uk and quote incident 221 of 25/5/24.
