Mourning spreads across community as Mustafa Qays Obadey and Arian Abbasi die in light plane crash shortly after taking off from Birmingham heading to Rochdale

Pictures have emerged of Mustafa Qays Obadey, 39, who tragically died in a small aircraft crash alongside his friend and fellow pilot Arian Abbasi, 36, in Littleborough, Rochdale.

Friends and family remember Mustafa as “the most humble, kind man you’ll ever meet,” a person whose warmth and generosity touched everyone around him.

His family described him as “the glue of the family and community,” always ready to help and support those in need.

The Crash That Shocked Rochdale

The accident occurred on Tuesday, February 3, when their Cirrus light aircraft went down in a field.

The pair had taken off from Birmingham Airport’s XLR Executive Jet Centre at around 10 a.m., and the plane lost contact just 38 minutes later, around 10:38 a.m., marking the likely moment of the crash, according to tracking website FlightRadar24.

Social media reports and images from the scene show a yellow parachute caught on a pylon near the wreckage, leading to speculation that one of the pilots attempted to escape the plane before impact.

Sadly, neither survived.

Arian Abbasi’s Dream Cut Short

Arian Abbasi’s family revealed he was on the cusp of a lifelong ambition.

He was scheduled to start his commercial airline career on February 23, a dream he had pursued with passion and determination.

Relatives described him as a man who “lived his life for his family and friends, giving them his constant love, strength, and support.”

His death has left a deep void in the hearts of those closest to him.

The Investigation and Missing Propellant Device

Authorities are continuing to investigate the crash.

Greater Manchester Police confirmed that a crucial part of the aircraft’s parachute deployment system—the propellant—remains missing.

The device is reportedly about 10cm in diameter and 30cm long, with a red anodised finish, weighing under 2kg, and possibly featuring a silver metal collar.

Police have asked anyone who comes across the device not to touch it and to report it immediately via 101 or the GMP live chat, quoting log 1056 of 03/02/26.

Officers highlighted that the wide terrain and debris field have made the search challenging.

Community Mourns and Pays Tribute

Chief Superintendent Danny Inglis called the incident “devastating” and extended condolences to the families of both pilots.

Local residents and online communities have shared their grief, remembering Mustafa and Arian for their kindness, dedication, and love for flying.

The tragedy has also sparked discussions about small aircraft safety and emergency procedures, particularly regarding Cirrus aircraft parachute systems, which are designed as last-resort life-saving measures.

What’s Next?

Investigators will continue piecing together the exact circumstances of the crash.

The search for the missing propellant device is ongoing, as it could provide vital clues about the attempted parachute deployment.

Aviation experts are likely to examine whether any mechanical failures, weather conditions, or pilot decisions contributed to the accident.

Meanwhile, friends and family of Mustafa and Arian are preparing tributes to honor their lives and contributions to the local community.

Summary

Mustafa Qays Obadey and Arian Abbasi lost their lives in a heartbreaking small aircraft crash in Rochdale.

Mustafa is remembered as a humble, kind, and community-focused man, while Arian was on the verge of achieving his dream as a commercial pilot.

The crash, which occurred shortly after taking off from Birmingham, involved a parachute attempt that ultimately failed.

Authorities continue to investigate, searching for a missing propellant device critical to understanding the tragedy.

The community mourns deeply, honoring the lives of two men whose passion for flying and love for family left a lasting mark.