A SPITFIRE flypast due to take place as part of Poole Regatta has been cancelled.

Two Spitfires from the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) had been due to appear today, Sunday, May 26, as part of the International Poole Regatta 2024 event at Poole Harbour. 

Posting an update on the Poole Regatta website just after 10am on Sunday morning, organisers said: “Unfortunately the Spitfire flypast planned for this afternoon has been cancelled.”

It comes after a Royal Air Force pilot died when a Spitfire crashed into a field near RAF Coningsby, in Lincolnshire.

Police and emergency services rushed to the scene on Langrick Road at just before 1.20pm on Saturday, May 25. 

The Spitfire of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) was flying near the air station when the crash took place.

The male pilot, who has not yet been named, was declared dead at the scene.

An MoD spokesperson said: “It is with great sadness that we must confirm the death of an RAF pilot in a tragic accident near RAF Coningsby today.

“The pilot’s family have been informed and we ask that their privacy is respected at this difficult time.”

An investigation is due to take place.

Lincolnshire Police said it was a single occupant aircraft and nobody else was involved.