A fault found in just one engine has grounded almost all of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) warplanes due to fly at airshows across the UK this summer.

Yesterday an issue was found with 'a pin' in the Hawker Hurricane's Rolls Royce Merlin engine.

 The BBMF said the plane, along with its iconic Spitfires and Lancaster Bomber which share the same engine, would not be flying as a 'precaution'.

The fault has already caused huge disappointment for hundreds of thousands of 'warbird' fans hoping to see the BBMF, which takes its planes all over the country during the summer.

He said: 'A routine inspection has highlighted a fault with one of the Merlin engines in a Hurricane aircraft. 'We are currently investigating the fault and as a precaution, flying of Merlin engine powered aircraft has been paused.

Andy Patsalides, from Biggin Hill Airport, said the BBMF were a 'crowd-pleaser' and it was disappointing the squadron, which was formed at the airport 60 years ago, might not be there to celebrate the airport's centenary.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4797830/Most-Battle-Britain-Memorial-Flight-planes-GROUNDED.html