The Royal Air Force’s (RAF) Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) is facing an unprecedented challenge as its legendary Spitfire and Hurricane fighter planes remain grounded four months after a tragic accident. The extended suspension of flights has raised questions about the future of these iconic World War II aircraft in RAF service.
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Alan Wilson from Stilton, Peterborough, Cambs, UK, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
On May 2024, a Spitfire crash claimed the life of Squadron Leader Mark Long, prompting the RAF to implement a “temporary pause” in flights for the remaining BBMF fighter aircraft. However, as the investigation by the Defence Accident Investigation Branch (DAIB) continues, the RAF has been unable to provide a timeline for the resumption of flights or guarantee that these historic aircraft will take to the skies again.
The prolonged grounding has already resulted in the absence of these beloved warbirds from several high-profile events, including the D-Day 80 commemorations, the King’s Birthday celebrations, and potentially the upcoming Battle of Britain anniversary on September 15.
Terry Holloway, a retired RAF group captain and former BBMF engineering officer, expressed surprise at the duration of the investigation. “It’s quite understandable that the Ministry of Defence, in these risk-averse times, would wish to pause flying until the cause of the crash is identified, but more than three months on they are still grounded,” Holloway stated. He added that in his experience, it would be “relatively easy” to establish the cause of a crash, citing a 1991 incident where a defective camshaft in a Hurricane was quickly identified and addressed.
Interestingly, the BBMF’s Avro Lancaster bomber has been cleared to return to flight operations following “extensive pre-planned depth maintenance activity.” This disparity has led some, including Holloway, to speculate that the issue may be related to the single-engine configuration of the Spitfire and Hurricane, as opposed to the four-engine Lancaster.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has not implemented a fleet-wide grounding, stating there is “insufficient evidence to justify” such action. This decision has allowed privately owned Spitfires and Hurricanes, numbering around 40, to continue flying. The CAA maintains regular contact with both the BBMF and Rolls-Royce, the manufacturer of the Merlin engines used in some Spitfires and Hurricanes.
Sir Gerald Howarth, president of both the British Air Display Association and the Historic Aircraft Association, expressed curiosity about the CAA’s decision not to ground privately owned aircraft. He emphasized the importance of these iconic planes in public displays, noting their role in inspiring young people to pursue careers in aviation.
The RAF remains committed to safety, stating that the BBMF Spitfire and Hurricane “will return to flying only when it is appropriate and safe to do so.” However, the lack of a clear timeline or updates on the investigation’s progress has left many in the aviation community concerned about the future of these historic aircraft in RAF service.
As the investigation continues, enthusiasts and veterans alike anxiously await news on the fate of these symbols of British resilience and engineering prowess. The potential permanent grounding of the RAF’s Spitfires and Hurricanes would mark the end of an era, closing a living link to one of the most pivotal moments in British and world history.
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