Spitfire Crash-Lands in Kent Before VE Day Celebrations

A rare World War II-era Spitfire, owned by Fly a Spitfire, made an emergency crash-landing in a field near West Hythe, Kent, after losing power just days before VE Day commemorations. The two-seater aircraft, which has a storied combat history and is used for vintage flight experiences, sustained significant propeller damage but remained largely intact. Both the pilot and passenger escaped unharmed, though one was treated by paramedics as a precaution. Witnesses reported hearing engine misfires before the plane narrowly avoided trees and landed close to a caravan park, preventing a potentially more serious accident. Emergency services responded promptly, securing the area and assisting the occupants. The Air Accidents Investigation Branch has launched an inquiry to determine the cause of the power failure.