The family of a Spitfire pilot who died in a tragic crash during a Battle of Britain display last weekend have broken their silence to pay tribute to him.
Royal Air Force pilot Squadron Leader Mark Long was described by his loved ones as someone who "lived his life with unwavering passion" and "will be cherished and deeply missed". The dad-of-two was tragically killed as he took part in the May 25 air show.
Just a few minutes after taking off from RAF Coningsby, Lincolnshire, his plane crashed. In a March 4 Instagram post, Long uploaded a video of Hurricane and Spitfire aircraft mid-flight and shared his excitement about taking part in the upcoming show.
Mark Long said he was excited to pilot the iconic aircraft"We are only a few weeks away from getting back flying in these iconic aircraft," he said in the post. "Cannot wait." In another video, Long explained why pilots needed to be careful about the conditions they fly in: "We have landed here with the Hurricane and Spitfire ready for react later this afternoon. The reason we landed in Gloucester is actually for crosswinds.
"I'll show you around the aircraft and you will see what we are operating and why we are so precious about how we pick our winds, surface and flying conditions. What a lovely summer we are having right now as temperatures are soaring.
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"The unique element of the Hurricane is that it gets really hot inside but it actually does quite well at keeping itself cool. So you have got the massive propeller at the front of the 17-litre Merlin engine but that on the ground forces the air through the radiator."
The pilot's death was confirmed by Group Captain Robbie Lees, Commander Display Air Wing, on Saturday. He said in a statement: "It is with great sorrow that I must confirm the death of Squadron Leader Mark Long. Mark was a Typhoon pilot here at RAF Coningsby and for the last four years, he has been a pilot with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
"A great friend, colleague, and a passionate, professional aviator he will be sorely missed by all that knew him." Mr Long was declared dead at the scene. An investigation into the crash was launched.
Gp Capt Lees added: "I would like to extend a sincere thank you to the RAF personnel, and our emergency services colleagues who responded so swiftly yesterday. Our thoughts remain with Mark's family and friends to whom we offer our deepest sympathies. We ask that their privacy be respected at this tragic and shocking time."
In a statement after the incident, Lincolnshire Police said: "Emergency services are in attendance following reports of an aircraft crashing in a field just before 1.20pm. It is believed to be a single occupant aircraft and nobody else is thought to have been involved. Road closures are in place in the areas of Dogdyke Road and Sandy Bank. Motorists are asked to avoid the area and seek alternative routes."
The Prince and Princess of Wales were among those who paid tribute to the pilot after his death was confirmed on Saturday night. Prince William and his wife Catherine said they were "incredibly sad" to learn of the death, and send their condolences to the pilot's family.
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