Beloved Husband, Father, and Grandfather Identified in South Yorkshire Helicopter Crash
Doncaster, South Yorkshire – The man who tragically lost his life in a helicopter crash in Doncaster on Thursday has been identified by his family as Peter Smith, 70.The family, in a statement released through South Yorkshire police, described Smith as “a beloved husband, father and grandfather,” expressing their profound devastation at “this sudden loss.”
Smith’s family emphasized his passion for aviation, a hobby he shared wiht his loved ones. He was also known for his affection for his grandchildren, enjoying crafts and playtime with them. A proud family man,Smith spent considerable time with his son,both professionally and socially. He also cherished dining out with his wife, and had a particular fondness for sweets.
The incident near Bentley resulted in minor injuries for the pilot, aged 41, along with two passengers: a 58-year-old woman and a 10-year-old boy. Initial analysis of the helicopter’s flight path shows it departed the airfield around 10 am, flying over Doncaster for approximately seven minutes before the abrupt stop near Bentley.
Local resident Lee Needham praised the pilot’s actions, noting the helicopter came down near homes, train tracks, industrial units, and electrical pylons. “Whoever was piloting the helicopter more than likely saved numerous lives,” he stated.
south Yorkshire police and the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) have initiated a joint investigation into the crash. The family has voiced their support for the ongoing investigation and requested privacy during this challenging period, urging the public “to not speculate on the circumstances surrounding the accident.”
An AAIB spokesperson confirmed the deployment of a team of experts specializing in aircraft operations, engineering, and data analysis to the crash site on Thursday. Additionally,Kuki Helicopters,the presumed owner of the aircraft and based at Retford Gamston airport,has pledged its continued support to the agencies involved in the investigation.
