Lancaster bomber takes to sky following restoration

The Lancaster bomber PA474 took to the skies over Lincolnshire

One of Britain's most famous aircraft has returned to the skies after renovation work.

Avro Lancaster PA474 took off from RAF Coningsby earlier to resume service with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF).

The bomber, which was built in 1945, received repairs, including a new tailplane, over the winter months.

The BBMF'S fleet was grounded in May following the death of Sqn Ldr Mark Long, who died when the Spitfire he was flying crashed in a field in Lincolnshire.

The plane is one of only two airworthy Lancasters

Photographer Claire Hartley captured photographs of the Lancaster in flight.

It is one of only two airworthy examples of the four-engine heavy bomber, which was a mainstay of the RAF during the Second World War.

The BBMF said the plane underwent "pre-planned depth maintenance activity" over winter.

It had received "extensive inspections and testing" before being cleared to fly again.

Lancaster PA474 was built at the Vickers Armstrong Broughton factory, in Chester

The BBMF was set up by the RAF to maintain heritage aircraft in an airworthy condition.

It operates Spitfires, Hurricanes, a C47 Dakota, and two Chipmunk aircraft.

The planes have become a familiar sight at air shows and state and military events, including Trooping the Colour.

'Tragic incident'

At the time of his death, Sqn Ldr Long was in his fourth season flying with the BBMF.

The cause of his death is being investigated by the Defence Accident Investigation Branch.

An inquest in his death was opened in June and is expected to resume on 24 November.

In a statement last week, the BBMF said its Spitfires and Hurricanes remained grounded "whilst the investigation into the tragic Spitfire incident continues".

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