Two killed in RAF crash

Two RAF crew were killed when their aircraft crashed on the runway at a military base, the MoD said.

Two RAF crew were killed when their aircraft crashed on the runway at a military base, the MoD said.

The Canberra aircraft, which had three people on board, crashed on the airfield at RAF Marham, in Norfolk, during a routine training exercise at 10.29pm last night.

It is understood that one of the crew managed to eject from the plane before impact and was taken to a Nottingham hospital with severe back injuries.

A MoD spokesman said the jet was involved in a "touch and go" exercise, in which the crew practice taking off and landing .

No details of the deceased were released as next of kin were being notified of the incident, he added.

RAF Marham Squadron Leader Rem Merrick said: "Emergency services responded quickly and are now at the scene. A board of inquiry will be convened to investigate the accident."

Earlier this year the crew of an RAF fighter jet based at RAF Marham managed to eject to safety moments before their plane crashed into the sea.

The Tornado pilot and navigator were picked up from their dinghies off the Northumberland coast, around 40 miles north of Newcastle upon Tyne, on July 22.

RAF Marham, situated six miles from Swaffham, is one of the busiest front-line stations in Britain, and boasts the largest single collection of offensive capability in the RAF.

It operates Canberra aircraft in the reconnaissance role and Tornado GR4A/GR4 aircraft in reconnaissance and attack roles, with one Canberra squadron and four Tornado squadrons on site.

The airfield is frequently used for the arrival and departure of Royal aircraft, due to the close proximity of the Sandringham estate.

The Queen was appointed as Honorary Air Commodore to RAF Marham in 1977 and has officially visited the station once every two years since her appointment