RAF's 'special tribute' to Spitfire crash pilot

Spitfire TE311 now carries a nod to Sqn Ldr Mark Long, killed in a crash in May

A Spitfire has been repainted to honour an RAF display pilot killed in a crash earlier this year.

Sqn Ldr Mark Long, a member of the RAF's Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF), died when the Spitfire he was flying crashed into a field in Lincolnshire on 25 May.

BBMF bosses shared an image of another aircraft in its fleet - Spitfire TE311 - displaying the fictitious squadron code L-NG, adding the paint job was their "special tribute".

On Saturday, a wreath was laid in memory of Sqn Ldr Long at the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.

Sqn Ldr Mark Long died when the Spitfire he was flying crashed near RAF Coningsby in May

In addition, Sqn Ldr Long's name has been added to the aircraft, beneath the cockpit.

At the time of his death, Sqn Ldr Long was in his fourth season with the BBMF, which operates from RAF Coningsby.

An inquest was told in June that he died as a result of head and neck injuries.

The cause of death is still being investigated by the Defence Accident Investigation Branch. The inquest is expected to resume on 24 November.

Sqn Ldr Long's family previously described how he "lived his life with an unwavering passion with laughter, love and dedication".

The RAF said Sqn Ldr Long's full name and rank is also displayed on the aircraft

A wreath was laid at the Royal International Air Tattoo in memory of the pilot

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