Tragedy Strikes South Yorkshire as Helicopter Crash Claims Life of Beloved Grandfather
A devastating helicopter crash in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, has claimed the life of 70-year-old Peter Smith, a devoted family man and grandfather. According to his family's statement, Peter was described as "a beloved husband, father and grandfather" whose sudden passing has left them all "devastated". The family added that Peter had a passion for aviation and shared this interest with his loved ones.
Eyewitnesses reported the helicopter coming down close to houses, train tracks, industrial units, and electrical pylons in the area near Bentley. One resident, Lee Needham, stated that whoever was piloting the helicopter "more than likely saved numerous lives" by avoiding a potentially catastrophic outcome.
A joint investigation into the incident has been launched by South Yorkshire police and the government's Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB). The family has asked for privacy during this difficult time as they come to terms with their loss, urging people not to speculate on the circumstances surrounding the accident.
The helicopter was operated by Kuki Helicopters, based at Retford Gamston airport. The company has expressed its condolences to the affected families and pledged support for the ongoing investigation. Analysis of the flight path revealed that the aircraft left the airfield at around 10am and remained airborne for approximately seven minutes before stopping suddenly.
Three others involved in the crash suffered minor injuries, including the pilot, a 58-year-old woman, and a 10-year-old boy. The AAIB has deployed its team of experts to the site, who are examining the aircraft's operations, engineering, and recorded data.
As the investigation unfolds, tributes have poured in for Peter Smith, whose love for aviation and spending time with his family will be deeply missed by all those who knew him.
A devastating helicopter crash in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, has claimed the life of 70-year-old Peter Smith, a devoted family man and grandfather. According to his family's statement, Peter was described as "a beloved husband, father and grandfather" whose sudden passing has left them all "devastated". The family added that Peter had a passion for aviation and shared this interest with his loved ones.
Eyewitnesses reported the helicopter coming down close to houses, train tracks, industrial units, and electrical pylons in the area near Bentley. One resident, Lee Needham, stated that whoever was piloting the helicopter "more than likely saved numerous lives" by avoiding a potentially catastrophic outcome.
A joint investigation into the incident has been launched by South Yorkshire police and the government's Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB). The family has asked for privacy during this difficult time as they come to terms with their loss, urging people not to speculate on the circumstances surrounding the accident.
The helicopter was operated by Kuki Helicopters, based at Retford Gamston airport. The company has expressed its condolences to the affected families and pledged support for the ongoing investigation. Analysis of the flight path revealed that the aircraft left the airfield at around 10am and remained airborne for approximately seven minutes before stopping suddenly.
Three others involved in the crash suffered minor injuries, including the pilot, a 58-year-old woman, and a 10-year-old boy. The AAIB has deployed its team of experts to the site, who are examining the aircraft's operations, engineering, and recorded data.
As the investigation unfolds, tributes have poured in for Peter Smith, whose love for aviation and spending time with his family will be deeply missed by all those who knew him.
Oh man, this is so sad 
... 70 years old, still so young 
. I can imagine how devastating it must be for his family 
... he was such a loving husband, father, and grandfather 
. And that passion for aviation 
️ is just amazing! Who knows what could've been if he was still flying high 
?
by avoiding a terrible crash 
. And that resident Lee Needham is absolutely right, whoever piloted that helicopter must be a hero 
.
... may he rest in peace 
. And I hope the investigation finds out what really happened, so we can learn from it 
. The 10-year-old boy is lucky to have escaped with just minor injuries 
... let's all cherish our loved ones and make the most of every moment with them 
]
I'm still trying to wrap my head around this tragedy... 70yo Peter Smith, what a loss! He's not just some random person, he was an awesome grandfather & husband from all the stories I've read about him. The fact that the pilot mighta saved lives by avoiding a disaster near houses, train tracks & pylons is just insane 
. My thoughts are with his family & loved ones right now... it's so hard to imagine how they must be feeling 
.
my heart goes out 2 the smith fam 
the fact that it was close to houses & industrial units makes me shudder 