British pilot dies in World War II plane crash

(CNN) — A United Kingdom Royal Air Force (RAF) pilot died when his World War II Spitfire plane crashed into a field in England.

The RAF announced this Saturday that the pilot died in a “tragic accident” near its base in Coningsby, Lincolnshire.

According to the RAF website, the base hosts the Royal Air Force (BBMF) Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, with regular RAF crews flying selected World War II-era aircraft – including six Spitfires – from May to September each year.

The plane that crashed was a Spitfire, Reuters news agency reported.

Lincolnshire Police said in a statement that officers responded at around 1:20pm (local time) after the plane crashed into a field off Langrick Road in Coningsby.

Police said the pilot was believed to be the only person involved in the incident.

According to the RAF, the pilot’s family has been informed.

Several public figures have paid tribute to the deceased pilot.

“It is incredibly sad to hear the news from RAF Coningsby this afternoon. Our thoughts this afternoon are with the pilot’s loved ones, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and the whole RAF family.” Prince William and Princess Kate said in X.

“It is terrible news that an RAF pilot has lost his life in this tragic incident. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones.” Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said.

The Spitfire is considered the most famous British fighter aircraft in history.

They played a key role in the Battle of Britain, fought between the RAF and the German Luftwaffe in the summer of 1940.

According to the RAF website, more Spitfires were built than any other British fighter aircraft before or after World War II: 20,341 in total.

Only a few dozen are believed to remain flight-worthy.