Spitfire crash which killed Royal Air Force pilot 'very likely' caused by decades-old debris

The crash happened at 1.16pm, shortly after Mr Long took off to conduct a series of flypasts and a display as part of the BBMF schedule.

Mr Long was flying Spitfire MK356, which was built at the Castle Bromwich Aircraft Factory, owned by the Morris Motors Company, in Birmingham in early 1944.

A report published by the Defence Safety Authority said the inquiry was intended to “inform the military chain of command and the public of the findings of the inquiry and its recommendations to improve defence safety”.

A service inquiry panel found that “engine performance data and witness statements align with what would be expected if the aircraft was experiencing fuel starvation”.

The report said: “The panel concluded that it was very likely that debris in the carburettor partially blocked the lean metering jet.

“This blockage reduced fuel flow, resulting in an overly lean mixture, decreased engine power and ultimately reduced thrust, preventing Fighter two from maintaining the performance required for safe flight.

Squadron Leader Mark Long, 43, died when his Supermarine Spitfire crashed during a Battle of Britain Memorial Flight in Lincolnshire on May 25 2024

PA

“The panel concluded that debris within the carburettor was very likely to be the causal factor that prevented the engine from producing the thrust required to maintain flight.”

Chemical analysis indicated the debris had been “present for decades”, according to the report.

The inquiry also examined the restraint system, which includes the harness and other structures designed to hold the pilot in position.

The panel concluded the system was “critical in the survivability of the pilot”, but added that its design was “very likely to have been an aggravating factor in the accident and design changes and modifications should be considered to enhance survivability”.

Following Mr Long’s death, his family said in a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence: “Mark lived his life with an unwavering passion with laughter, love and dedication to his family.

“His talent for flying was there for all to see and his ability to connect to everyone he met was infectious. Mark will be cherished and deeply missed by us all.”

Mr Long was born in Bury St Edmunds and graduated from initial officer training in 2003, the MoD said.

He subsequently trained at RAF Linton-on-Ouse, flying the Tucano before gaining his “wings”. His advanced flying training was conducted on the Hawk, after which he was selected as an instructor.

He later converted to the Harrier GR7/9 and was posted to RAF Cottesmore, becoming the last RAF Harrier pilot qualified to conduct operations from an aircraft carrier.

In 2012, he joined the Typhoon Force and was assigned to RAF Coningsby. Four years later, he became the Typhoon display pilot, while his primary role was teaching student pilots how to operate the jet.

Alongside his instructional duties, Mr Long also helped defend UK sovereign airspace through quick reaction alert duties in the UK, the Falkland Islands and during Baltic air policing operations in Lithuania.

At the time of his death, he was in his fourth season with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.