The individual who lost his life in the recent helicopter crash in Doncaster has been identified as Peter Smith, aged 70.
The tragic incident occurred in a field located in Bentley, shortly after 10 a.m. on Thursday, October 30. Mr. Smith was aboard the helicopter when it went down.
Emergency services, including South Yorkshire Police, paramedics, and other responders, were dispatched to the crash site near Ings Road at 10:14 a.m.
Despite the rapid response and efforts of medical personnel, Mr. Smith succumbed to the severe injuries he sustained in the accident and was pronounced dead on the scene.
The pilot, a 41-year-old man, along with two other passengers—a 58-year-old woman and a 10-year-old boy—escaped with only minor injuries.
In a heartfelt statement, Mr. Smith’s family paid tribute to him, remembering him as a grandfather with a deep passion for aviation.
They said: ‘On Thursday 30 October we as a family sadly lost Peter in the most tragic of circumstances when he was involved in a helicopter crash in Bentley, Doncaster.
‘Peter was a beloved husband, father and grandfather and we are all devastated by this sudden loss. Peter was one of the smartest men who liked to spend his time making and fixing things.
The man who died when a helicopter crashed in Doncaster this week has been named as 70-year-old Peter Smith
The 70-year-old man, who was a passenger in the helicopter, was treated for ‘serious injuries’ by medics – but despite their best efforts, he was sadly pronounced dead at the scene (pictured)
‘He had a real passion for aviation, and this was something he shared with his family.
‘He particularly liked to spend time with his grandchildren doing crafts and playing. He was a proud family man who spent a lot of his time with his son both working with and socially.
‘Peter loved to have meals out with his wife and had a particularly sweet tooth.
‘We understand that a parallel investigation is currently underway between The Air Accidents Investigation Branch and South Yorkshire Police which we are supporting, and we ask members of the public to not speculate on the circumstances surrounding the accident.
‘We would like to ask for privacy during this incredibly difficult time to allow us to come to terms with what has occurred and grieve for the loss of Peter.’
A family friend, writing on social media, added: ‘RIP Pete. I’m still in total shock. I can’t believe its happened.
‘You were such a lovely kind man. My sincere condolences to my lovely friend and [your] family.’
The helicopter had taken off from Gamston Retford Airport just minutes before it crashed into the field, coming to a rest on its side – the rotor nowhere to be seen.
FlightRadar24 data shows the helicopter switched on its transponder shortly after takeoff at 10am.
It appeared to then fly over Doncaster before it disappears from radar in the vicinity of Ings Road at around 10.08am. The first emergency call came in six minutes later.
The aviation school which owns the helicopter – and says on social media it has a ‘100 per cent safety record’ – yesterday released a statement (pictured) on the tragic accident
The aircraft plummeted into a field (pictured) in the Bentley area of the South Yorkshire city just after 10am on Thursday morning
Other data shows it made a 33-minute flight six days before the crash.
The helicopter, a 17-year-old Robinson R44 Raven II, is owned by Kuki Helicopters, a flight school based at Gamston.
Kuki Helicopters wrote in an Instagram post on Friday evening: ‘At this very sad time, our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of all those involved in the helicopter incident that occurred yesterday.
‘Our heartfelt condolences are sent to everyone affected by this tragedy and we will of course continue to support relevant agencies concerning the ongoing investigation. Simon & Matt.’
South Yorkshire Police has asked anyone with information or footage of the crash, or those who witnessed it, to get in contact.
The force said officers could be contacted online or by calling 101 and quoting incident number 218 of October 30, 2025.
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Inspector Matt Bolger, said: ‘Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the man who sadly died in this tragic incident.
‘We and our emergency services colleagues remain at the scene and we have launched a full joint investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident in parallel with our partners at the AAIB.
‘As part of our investigation, we’d ask for anyone with information to get in touch. If you were in the area at the time and saw the events unfold, please contact us.
‘We are particularly keen to hear from those with footage of the helicopter leading up to the crash.’
The AAIB said in a statement: ‘The AAIB has been made aware of an accident near Doncaster and has deployed a team to commence an investigation.’
