Lancaster bomber mid-air engine fire Published duration 7 May 2015

image copyright Karl Melson image caption The Lancaster performed an engine shut down before landing safely at RAF Coningsby

The only airworthy Lancaster bomber in the UK has suffered an engine fire while flying.

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) Lancaster - known as Thumper - landed safely at RAF Coningsby after it misfired during a training flight.

The crew evacuated safely and the aircraft will now be assessed by engineers.

Last year, the only other flying Lancaster had an engine fire whilst visiting the UK.

Sqd Ldr Emma Watkins said: "The Lancaster suffered what appears to be an engine fire during a practice run this afternoon.

"The aircraft has landed safely and all the crew are fine."

image copyright Richard Levett image caption In 2014, Canadian Lancaster Vera also experienced problems with one of its engines

During a tour in 2014, Vera - owned by the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum - was hit by an engine fire during a flight in County Durham.

It was due to fly at the Bournemouth Air Festival as well as the Shoreham Air Show and the Gedling Show in Nottinghamshire as part of a two-month UK tour.

Vera was loaned an engine by the BBMF in order for it to return home.

Related Topics Coningsby Royal Air Force Base