A tragic accident occurred on Thursday morning when a helicopter crash claimed the life of a 70-year-old man in a field near Doncaster. The incident unfolded shortly after 10 a.m. as emergency services, including police, fire, and ambulance crews, hurried to the scene off Ings Road in Bentley, situated on the northern outskirts of the South Yorkshire city.
The helicopter, identified by its registration G-CFNF, had only just departed from Gamston Retford Airport moments before it met its ill-fated descent. Upon impact, the aircraft ended up on its side, with the rotor conspicuously absent from the wreckage.
Authorities confirmed that the deceased man was provided immediate medical attention for severe injuries but, regrettably, did not survive. Police are extending their support to his grieving family during this difficult time.
In addition to the deceased, the pilot, aged 41, along with two other passengers—a 58-year-old woman and a 10-year-old boy—sustained minor injuries in the crash.
In response to this distressing event, South Yorkshire Police, in collaboration with the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB), have commenced a joint investigation. They are actively seeking any video or photographic evidence from the public that might shed light on the circumstances surrounding this incident.
South Yorkshire Police and the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) have launched a joint investigation and are appealing for anyone with footage to come forward.
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 helicopter landed on its side in a field near an industrial estate in Bentley shortly after 10am
FlightRadar24 data shows the helicopter switched on its transponder shortly after takeoff from Gamston Retford Airport 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.
Other data shows it made a 33 minute flight six days before the crash.
Dozens of emergency workers were on scene, according to eyewitnesses.
The Daily Mail understands the helicopter, a 17-year-old Robinson R44 Raven II, is owned by Kuki Helicopters, a flight school based at Gamston.
Kuki declined to comment when approached this afternoon. The firm says on social media that it has a ‘100 per cent safety record’.
The R44 Raven II is capable of seating four people, including the pilot.
An eyewitness, who lives near the crash site, told Yorkshire Live: ‘It’s just missed our house. We live on the very end house of the street next to the train tracks.
‘I spoke to a few of my neighbours. I don’t think anyone actually saw it come down but at first we all thought it was a train crash because we saw all of the emergency services firing past.’
A 70-year-old man has died in the crash, police have confirmed. Three others on board, including a 10-year-old boy, suffered minor injuries
Police blocked off Ings Road, in Bentley on the northern edge of Doncaster, following the tragedy
Gamston Airport confirmed to the Daily Mail that the aircraft took off from its apron.
A spokesperson said: ‘We can confirm an aircraft based here operated by an onsite tenant has been involved in an incident. We’ve no further information at this time.’
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, the MP for Doncaster North, said: ‘Devastating news that a man has died following a helicopter crash in Bentley this morning.
‘My thoughts are with the family and friends of the victim of this terrible incident.
‘My office are in touch with the relevant authorities including South Yorkshire Police, and I know the whole of Doncaster will be united in having the victim in their thoughts today.’
The Daily Mail has contacted South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service for more information.
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.’
Marketing materials describe the Robinson R44 Raven II as being ‘renowned for its versatility’ with ‘responsive handling’ that requires ‘minimal physical effort to operate’.
A spokesperson for the Air Accidents Investigation Branch said: ‘The AAIB has been made aware of an accident near Doncaster and has deployed a team to commence an investigation.’
