Probe into test flight death

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The Ministry of Defence said the man left the aircraft during an "inverted roll" on a routine test flight over Norfolk at about 4pm on Wednesday.

A spokesman said the man's body was found in a field near South Creake about 45 minutes later. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The aircraft involved in the incident, which is based at RAF Marham, Norfolk, landed safely, the MoD said.

Rem Merrick, a spokesman for RAF Marham, said: "It's with deepest sadness that the MoD has learnt that the BAE Systems navigator who was involved in the incident has died. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.

"The aircraft was crewed by BAE Systems staff. They were carrying out a test flight. The aircraft went into an inverted roll. The navigator exited the aircraft. We cannot speculate on the cause. It's being investigated by the board of inquiry. No other aircraft were involved."

Mr Merrick said it was not known if the navigator had a parachute.

A South Creake resident said the body was found close to a disused aerodrome on the edge of the village. Another resident said the man landed in fields "a few hundreds yards" from any road.

Norfolk Police said they were "liaising" with the RAF.

A BAE Systems spokesman said the firm employs about 250 people at RAF Marham and holds a £130 million contract to maintain and upgrade the RAF's fleet of Tornado GR4 aircraft.