Battle of Britain Planes Absent from D-Day Events

The RAF’s Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will not participate in D-Day events due to the death of pilot Sqn Ldr Mark Long, whose Spitfire crashed in Lincolnshire. Investigations continue as RAF A400 and Typhoon aircraft will still participate in Portsmouth's June 5 event. Tributes highlight Long's dedication and embodiment of RAF principles.

The RAF’s Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) will not participate in D-Day anniversary events due to the death of pilot Sqn Ldr Mark Long.

The crash occurred in Lincolnshire when the Spitfire he was piloting went down in a field near RAF Coningsby.

Investigations by the Defence Accident Investigation Branch are ongoing.

An RAF A400 and Typhoon will still appear in Portsmouth's national commemorative event on June 5.

Tributes have been paid to Sqn Ldr Long, known for his dedication and embodiment of RAF principles.

His death marks the first loss of life for the BBMF in 67 years.