Daughter's tribute to dad who died in Spitfire crash

Sqn Ldr Mark Long with his eldest daughter Scarlett

The daughter of an RAF pilot who died in a Spitfire crash has described him as "the kindest person you'd ever meet".

Sqn Ldr Mark Long was killed when his World War Two-era plane crashed in a field near RAF Coningsby, Lincolnshire, on 25 May.

Scarlett Long said her father was "the most bubbly person", who "loved being around people" and "inspired so many".

The 15-year-old and her family are raising money in Sqn Ldr Long's name for Flying Scholarships for Disabled People (FSDP).

Sqn Ldr Mark Long on holiday in Montenegro last year with daughters Sophie and Scarlett and wife Beth

Sqn Ldr Long, 43, joined the Typhoon force in 2012 and later became a display pilot and teacher at Coningsby. He had been flying with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) for the past four years.

Speaking of her "shock" at the tragedy, which is being investigated by the Defence Accident Investigation Branch, Scarlett said the reaction had been "overwhelming".

"You can't expect people to understand what it's like," she added.

But she said it had been "really nice" to hear "so many stories" about her father in the wake of his death.

"All the things he did were based around teaching people about what it’s like to be a pilot or work in the military – helping people to get to their dreams," she said.

"He was so loving, so caring – everything he did was for me or for my sister or for my mum – just everything was with love."

'Saying goodbye'

Away from flying, Sqn Ldr Long loved cooking, travelling, long dog walks, climbing and competitive go-kart racing.

Scarlett told the BBC some of her happiest memories included family holidays to Porto and Morocco, which was "one of the best".

"For birthday presents, we'd buy him Moroccan tagine pots," she said.

At Sqn Ldr Long's funeral in June, Scarlett gave a reading, which she described as "like saying goodbye".

A service at RAF Coningsby included a flypast by colleagues and was followed by a private ceremony.

Scarlett said she felt "so proud" about a Spitfire that has been repainted with the word "Long" on one side.

She said: "I know that's what he did, and it's how people want to remember him, and I'm just really happy there's something like that to commemorate him."

The BBMF fleet was grounded after the crash. However, the Long family were present when the BBMF's Lancaster bomber returned to the skies in July, and Scarlett said she hoped the Spitfires would soon follow.

"I'm really excited for when they [Spitfires] get to fly again," she added.

Sqn Ldr Long "did everything with love", his eldest daughter has said

Flying lessons

Scarlett, her mother Beth and younger sister Sophie are working with the FSDP charity to fund a new scholarship in Sqn Ldr Long's name, which is due to be launched next year.

The charity gives people with disabilities the chance to learn how to fly.

Sqn Ldr Long was involved in many events for the charity, which Scarlett – who has spent the past two years volunteering at a disabled sports club – said was close to their hearts.

"He’d be very happy with it," she said. "It just links in with our family."

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