WW2 aircraft grounded for Duxford air show

Battle of Britain Memorial Flight planes are a regular feature at summer air shows

Wartime aircraft due to fly at this weekend’s Duxford Summer Air Show have been grounded after a fatal crash.

Sqn Ldr Mark Long was killed when the Spitfire he was flying crashed in a field in Lincolnshire on Saturday.

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) was due to perform at the Cambridgeshire event on both Saturday and Sunday.

In a statement, Imperial War Museum (IWM) Duxford said: "We regret to confirm that the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) will no longer be performing at this weekend's Duxford Summer Air Show: D-Day 80."

The RAF grounded BBMF aircraft while an investigation into the fatal crash took place.

The flight includes Spitfires, Hurricanes, a Lancaster, a C47 Dakota and two Chipmunk aircraft used for training.

Paying tribute to Sqn Ldr Long, a statement from IWM Duxford said: "Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time."

IWM Duxford said it would be updating its flying list for the event, which is celebrating the upcoming 80th anniversary of D-Day on 6 June.