DONCASTER, England (BN24) — A 70-year-old man has died after a private helicopter crashed in a field near Doncaster on Thursday morning, authorities said. Three others, including a 10-year-old boy, suffered minor injuries in what investigators have described as a “tragic incident.”
South Yorkshire Police said emergency crews were called to the scene off Ings Lane in Bentley shortly after 10 a.m. The aircraft, a Robinson R44 Raven II, had taken off minutes earlier from Gamston Airport near Retford before coming down in a nearby field.
The victim, who sustained serious injuries, was pronounced dead at the scene despite efforts from emergency responders. His family has been informed and is being supported by police.
The helicopter’s pilot, a 41-year-old man, and two passengers — a 58-year-old woman and a 10-year-old boy — were treated for minor injuries. Police said all three are expected to recover.
Detective Chief Inspector Gary Magnay, Silver Commander for the operation, expressed condolences to the victim’s family. “Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the man who sadly died in this tragic incident,” he said. “We and our emergency services colleagues remain at the scene and have launched a full joint investigation alongside the Air Accidents Investigation Branch.”
Witnesses said the helicopter narrowly missed nearby homes before crashing. One resident told Yorkshire Live that she initially thought a train had derailed due to the large number of emergency vehicles rushing to the scene. “It’s just missed our house,” she said. “At first we all thought it was a train crash because of all the sirens.”
Photographs from the crash site showed the helicopter on its side with debris scattered across a plowed field. A large police cordon was established around the area, and authorities urged residents to avoid Ings Lane and use alternative routes while investigations continue.
A spokesperson for the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) confirmed that a team had been deployed. “The AAIB has been made aware of an accident near Doncaster and has sent investigators to commence an inquiry,” the spokesperson said.
Retford Gamston Airport confirmed that the aircraft was based at the facility and operated by an onsite tenant. “We can confirm an aircraft based here operated by an onsite tenant has been involved in an incident. We have no further information at this time,” the airport said in a statement.
Local MP Ed Miliband, who represents Doncaster North, expressed his condolences to the victim’s loved ones. “This is devastating news, and my thoughts are with the family and friends of the victim of this terrible incident,” Miliband said. “The whole of Doncaster will be united in keeping them in their thoughts today.”
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, with police appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or captured footage of the helicopter prior to the crash to come forward.
