Doncaster helicopter crash victim named by family
The man who died in a helicopter crash in Doncaster on Thursday has been named by his family as 70-year-old Peter Smith.
The 41-year-old pilot and two other passengers, a 58-year-old woman and a 10-year-old boy, suffered minor injuries.
In a statement issued by South Yorkshire Police, the family described Mr Smith as a “loving husband, father and grandfather” and said they were “all 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 working and socially with his son. Peter loved dining out with his wife and had a particularly sweet tooth.”
The plane crashed in Bentley, the Doncaster suburb of Ings Lane, shortly before taking off from Retford Gamston Airport in Nottinghamshire.
South Yorkshire Police and the government’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) launched a joint investigation into the incident.
In the statement, the family stated that they support the investigation and asked people “not to speculate about the circumstances of the accident.”
“We 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.
The aircraft is understood to belong to Kuki Helicopters, based at Retford Gamston Airport in Nottinghamshire. The company said it would “continue to support” the institutions involved in the investigation into the accident.
The firm, which offers flying lessons and experiences according to its website, said in a post on Facebook: “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.”
The statement continued: “We offer our sincerest condolences to everyone affected by this tragedy and will of course continue to support the relevant agencies involved in the ongoing investigation.”
