A quiet Thursday morning in Doncaster turned tragic when a helicopter crashed in a field in Bentley, claiming the life of a local man.
The incident occurred shortly after 10am on October 30, leaving the community in shock.
Victim Identified as Aviation Enthusiast Peter Smith
Authorities have confirmed that the man who died in the crash was 70-year-old Peter Smith.
Emergency services, including South Yorkshire Police and paramedics, rushed to the scene at 10:14am on Ings Road.
Despite their swift response and efforts, Mr. Smith succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Others on Board Sustain Minor Injuries
The helicopter carried a total of four people. Alongside Mr. Smith, the pilot, a 41-year-old man, and two other passengers—a 58-year-old woman and a 10-year-old boy—were also on board.
Thankfully, they only sustained minor injuries and did not require hospitalization.
Family Pays Heartfelt Tribute
Mr. Smith’s family has shared a deeply moving statement remembering him as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.
They described him as one of the “smartest men” who loved making and fixing things.
His passion for aviation was a defining part of his life, one he enjoyed sharing with his loved ones.
The family also highlighted his joy in spending time with his grandchildren, doing crafts and playing games.
Meals out with his wife and his notorious sweet tooth were among the simple pleasures he cherished.
They asked the public to respect their privacy while they grieve this devastating loss.
Investigation Underway by Authorities
A joint investigation is being conducted by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) and South Yorkshire Police.
Authorities are asking members of the public to avoid speculation and allow investigators to determine the cause of the crash.
Helicopter Details and Flight Path
The helicopter, a 17-year-old Robinson R44 Raven II, was owned by Kuki Helicopters, a flight school based at Gamston Retford Airport, where it had taken off just minutes before the crash.
Flight tracking data shows it briefly appeared over Doncaster before disappearing from radar near Ings Road at around 10:08am.
The aircraft came to rest on its side in the field, with the rotor missing.
Data also indicates the helicopter had completed a 33-minute flight just six days prior to the crash.
Statements from Kuki Helicopters and Police
Kuki Helicopters expressed their condolences on Instagram, stating: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of all those involved.
We will continue to support the investigation.”
South Yorkshire Police have urged anyone who witnessed the crash or captured footage to come forward, providing contact details and the incident reference number 218 of October 30, 2025.
Detective Inspector Matt Bolger, leading the investigation, said: “Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones.
We are committed to uncovering the full circumstances of this tragic incident, and anyone with information, particularly footage, is asked to contact us.”
AAIB Responds
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch confirmed that a team has been deployed to Doncaster to begin their investigation into the crash, working alongside local authorities to understand exactly what happened.