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Debris in engine very likely caused Spitfire crash: Report
The inquiry found 26 safety recommendations and said maintenance confusion likely reduced the chance of detecting the debris.
- Squadron Leader Mark Long died when his RAF Spitfire crashed near RAF Coningsby on May 25, 2024, during a BBMF assignment; The Defence Safety Authority concluded decades-old debris in the engine 'very likely' caused the fatal accident.
- Chemical analysis revealed the debris inside the Supermarine Spitfire MK356, built in 1944, 'had been present for decades,' reducing fuel flow and causing fuel starvation that prevented the engine from producing required thrust.
- Investigators determined the pilot restraint system was 'critical in the survivability of the pilot,' yet noted the design was 'very likely to have been an aggravating factor in the accident.'
- Twenty-Six safety recommendations were issued, including improved maintenance records and emergency training, described as 'robust' to 'minimise the likelihood of a recurrence or similar tragedy.'
- Mark Long's family stated, 'Mark lived his life with an unwavering passion with laughter, love and dedication to his family,' reflecting his infectious ability to connect with all he met.
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Spitfire crash which killed Royal Air Force pilot 'very likely' caused by decades-old debris
Decades-old debris inside a downed Spitfire has been deemed “very likely” to have been the cause of a crash that killed a Royal Air Force pilot, an investigation has concluded.Squadron Leader Mark Long, 43, died when his Supermarine Spitfire crashed during a Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) display near RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire on May 25 2024.The crash happened at 1.16pm, shortly after Mr Long took off to conduct a series of flypast…
·London, United Kingdom
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The IndependentReposted by 
The Independent (US)
The Independent (US)Decades old debris likely caused fatal Spitfire crash that killed RAF pilot
Squadron leader Mark Long was killed after his Spitfire crashed near RAF Coningsby in 2024
·London, United Kingdom
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources10
Leaning Left2Leaning Right3Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution45% Center
Bias Distribution
- 45% of the sources are Center
45% Center
L 22%
C 45%
R 33%
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