Man killed in South Yorkshire helicopter crash named as Peter Smith | Helicopter crashes
The man who died in a helicopter crash in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, on Thursday has been named Peter Smith by his family.
In a statement released by South Yorkshire police, the family described Smith, 70, as a “loving husband, father and grandfather” and said they were “devastated by this sudden loss”.
“He had a real passion for aviation and it was something he shared with his family,” they added.
“He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren, making crafts and playing games. He was a proud family man who spent much of his time both working and socially with his son. Peter loved dining out with his wife and had a particularly sweet tooth.”
The 41-year-old pilot and two passengers involved in the accident, a 58-year-old woman and a 10-year-old boy, were also slightly injured.
Analysis of the helicopter’s flight path showed that it left the airport at around 10am and flew over Doncaster for approximately seven minutes before suddenly stopping near Bentley.
Lee Needham, who lives in the area, told the BBC that the helicopter crashed near houses, train tracks, industrial facilities and electricity poles. “Whoever was flying the helicopter probably saved a lot of lives,” he said.
South Yorkshire police and the government’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) launched a joint investigation into the incident.
The family stated that they support the investigation and asked people “not to speculate about the circumstances of the accident.”
“We would like to ask for privacy at this incredibly difficult time so that we can come to terms with what has happened and grieve the loss of Peter,” they added.
An AAIB spokesman said a team of experts in aircraft operations, engineering and recorded data was sent to the area on Thursday.
Kuki Helicopters, based at Retford Gamston airport, which is understood to own the plane, said it would “continue to support” the agencies involved in the investigation into the crash.
The firm, which offers flying lessons and experiences according to its website, said in a Facebook post: “At this very sad time, our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of everyone involved in the helicopter incident that occurred yesterday.
“We send our sincere condolences to everyone affected by this tragedy and will of course continue to support the relevant agencies involved in the ongoing investigation.”
