Spitfire fatally crashed as carburettor debris restricted fuel flow

A Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX, operated by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, experienced a fatal crash following take-off from its UK base. Investigators now believe that debris within the aircraft’s carburettor system was responsible for restricting fuel flow to the engine. This restriction led to a significant loss of thrust and ultimately caused a rapid descent into a nearby field immediately after takeoff. The incident occurred during a routine operation as part of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight's activities. Military investigators are currently examining the wreckage to determine the precise sequence of events leading up to this tragic accident.