A memorial flypast over Weymouth and Portland to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day looks set to be cancelled following the tragic death of a pilot in a crash.
The aerial spectacular featuring Second World War-era planes is part of events across Weymouth and Portland organised for the landmark anniversary of Operation Overlord on Thursday, June 6.
Although the plans were subject to national commitments and weather, it was hoped that historic planes from the Royal Air Force's Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) - including a Spitfire - would soar over Portland Bill, the Portland cenotaph, Victoria Gardens and the Weymouth cenotaph.
They were booked to fly over Weymouth and Portland as well as other places in the UK on the day.
However, it's been thrown into doubt after a Spitfire from the team crashed in Lincolnshire.
The RAF has grounded the Flight amid an investigation into the death of a pilot.
Squadron Leader Mark Long was killed when the Spitfire he was flying crashed in a field near RAF Coningsby.
Police and emergency services rushed to the scene just before 1.20pm on Saturday. Mr Long was declared dead at the scene.
The RAF has said that a decision on returning the unit to flying will be made in due course, when it is safe and appropriate to do so, however no timescales would be offered at this time.
A spokesman said: “Following the tragic accident at RAF Coningsby, and while the formal investigation is ongoing, the RAF has instigated a temporary pause in flying for the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.”
READ MORE: Full day of events for D-Day in Weymouth and Portland
A spokesperson for Weymouth Town Council said: "Following this sad news, the RAF has temporarily grounded Battle of Britain Memorial Flights and we are awaiting confirmation about next week’s planned flypast.
"Our thoughts are with the pilot’s family and friends at this time."
Weymouth Mayor Cllr Jon Orrell said: "I want to express my sympathy and sorrow for the young pilot.
"I look forward to the flight at some point in the future, whenever that may be."
Cllr Sheila Miles, the Mayor of Portland said: "Our condolences go out to squadron leader Mark Long and his family.
"Portland Town Council has received no notification that the flypast has been cancelled. We were getting a Spitfire, we don't know if ours has been cancelled.
"It would be a shame, but perfectly understandable after the tragic loss.
"They are 60 to 70 year old aircraft and it has got to be safe, that is the bottom line."
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