Debris in engine very likely caused RAF Coningsby Spitfire crash

Debris which had been present in the carburettor of a Spitfire for decades was "very likely" the cause of a crash in which a pilot died, according to a report.

Sqn Ldr Mark Long was killed when the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) plane he was flying crashed in a field in Lincolnshire on 25 May 2024.

A report published by the Ministry of Defence says the debris was responsible for causing fuel starvation, "leading to a loss of thrust required to maintain powered flight".

Just 56 seconds after taking off from RAF Coningsby, witnesses saw the plane turn and plunge to the ground.

Long was flying a Spitfire Mk IX, built in 1944, operated by the RAF's BBMF for commemorative flypasts and displays.

The opening of an inquest heard the provisional cause of his death was head and neck injuries.

The Service Inquiry report said chemical analysis revealed evidence that indicated the debris in the carburettor "had been present for decades".

It said: "The presence of multiple, contradictory publications created ambiguity over the correct procedures for carburettor maintenance.

"The panel assessed that this inconsistency likely led to varying interpretations of how extensively the carburettor should have been dismantled, inspected and cleaned, which was very likely to have reduced the reliability of detecting any debris build-up."

The design of the cockpit and restraint were identified as aggravating factors, but the report acknowledged any structural design change would likely require "significant moderations".

"This would not only affect the historic authenticity of the aircraft but would possibly affect overall airworthiness due to a change in aircraft mass and balance," the report said.

Twenty-six safety recommendations were included in the report, including improved maintenance records, reviews of cockpit protection and better training for emergencies.

The report described the recommendations as "robust" and said they "should minimise the likelihood of a recurrence or similar tragedy".

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