A World War 2 era Spitfire has crash landed in a field in Kent, England, four days before VE Day Celebrations across Europe are set to begin.
The aircraft, Spitfire MJ627, saw action over the Netherlands in 1944, experienced engine trouble before it came down outside West Hythe on Sunday.
Fly a Spitfire, owner of the aircraft, said in a statement,
“We have spoken to the pilot who has advised that a precautionary landing was made on a non-air field site.”
Alan Wilson
There have so far been no reports of injuries, however Kent Fire and Rescue stated that the two occupants have been treated by paramedics.
It is the second time that this specific Spitfire has been involved in an accident, with a similar incident happening in 1998, where the pilot made a ‘wheels up’ landing at Coventry Airport. Meanwhile, in 2024, its cockpit canopy became detached during take off, the aircraft was able to land safely shortly afterwards at Biggin Hill Airport.
Eyewitness, Sharon Gooda, told reporters,
“We heard the roar of a Spitfire, so I stood outside the caravan and watched the two-seater as it flew across and turned back around again. He took a fly over the caravan park but then I went back inside and could still hear them. But all of a sudden, there was a really low, loud misfiring sound above our heads.”
Who are Fly a Spitfire?
Fly a Spitfire offers customers the opportunity to fly original World War Two aircraft at a number of airports around the UK. Along with three Spitfires, the company also flies a 1944 P-51D Mustang. Based at Biggin Hill, the company also offers tours of its ‘Spitfire Factory as well as technical tours of the aircraft themselves.
Despite the incident, the company plans to continue flying its other aircraft.
An investigation into the incident is underway.
