A NAVIGATOR who exited an RAF Tornado fighter plane during a test flight was found dead in a field today.The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said the man left the aircraft during an “inverted roll” over Norfolk at about 4pm.

A NAVIGATOR who exited an RAF Tornado fighter plane during a test flight was found dead in a field today.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said the man left the aircraft during an “inverted roll” over Norfolk at about 4pm.

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, which is based at RAF Marham, Norfolk, landed safely following the incident.

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

Mr Merrick said the body was found by an RAF Search and Rescue helicopter and it was not known if he had a parachute.

A Sea King helicopter from RAF Wattisham was used during the search.

The dead man is not expected to be formally identified until tomorrow.