A peaceful Thursday morning in South Yorkshire turned tragic when a helicopter came crashing down in a field near Doncaster, leaving one man dead and three others injured.
What began as an ordinary flight from Gamston Retford Airport quickly became a devastating scene that drew in emergency crews from across the region.
Helicopter Plunges Into Field Moments After Takeoff
The aircraft, a Robinson R44 Raven II registered as G-CFNF, had only been airborne for a few minutes before it went down near Ings Road in Bentley, on Doncaster’s northern edge.
It came to rest on its side in the field—its rotor missing—just after 10 a.m. Local residents reported hearing a loud noise before seeing emergency vehicles rush to the scene.
Police confirmed that a 70-year-old man suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the crash site despite medical efforts to save him.
His family is now being supported by specially trained officers.
Three Survivors Escape With Minor Injuries
Among the four people onboard, three survived with minor injuries—a 41-year-old pilot, a 58-year-old woman, and a 10-year-old boy.
They were treated by paramedics at the scene and are believed to be recovering.
Detective Inspector Matt Bolger, the lead investigator, said authorities were determined to uncover what caused the crash.
“Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the man who sadly died in this tragic incident,” he said.
“We are carrying out a full joint investigation with our partners at the Air Accidents Investigation Branch.”
Investigators Appeal for Witnesses and Footage
South Yorkshire Police and the AAIB have launched a joint inquiry and are asking anyone who may have seen the crash—or captured it on camera—to come forward.
FlightRadar24 data indicates the helicopter took off from Gamston Retford Airport around 10 a.m., briefly flew over Doncaster, and then disappeared from radar just eight minutes later. The first emergency call was made at 10:14 a.m.
Scene Flooded With Emergency Services
Witnesses described a heavy emergency presence, with dozens of police, ambulance, and fire crews arriving within minutes.
One local resident told Yorkshire Live that the crash site was alarmingly close to nearby homes. “It just missed our house,” the eyewitness said.
“We thought it was a train crash at first because of all the sirens.”
Gamston Airport later confirmed the helicopter had departed from its airfield earlier that morning.
A spokesperson said, “We can confirm an aircraft based here operated by an onsite tenant has been involved in an incident. We’ve no further information at this time.”
Aircraft Linked to Local Flight School
The downed helicopter was identified as belonging to Kuki Helicopters, a flight training company based at Gamston.
The company’s social media claims a “100 percent safety record,” though they declined to comment on Thursday’s incident.
The Robinson R44 Raven II model, capable of seating four people including the pilot, is described by manufacturers as a “versatile” aircraft known for its smooth handling and reliability—though it has been involved in several crashes globally over the years.
Tributes and Reactions From the Community
Energy Secretary and local MP Ed Miliband expressed his condolences following the tragedy.
“Devastating news that a man has died following a helicopter crash in Bentley this morning,” he said.
“My thoughts are with the family and friends of the victim. The whole of Doncaster will be united in grief today.”
The AAIB confirmed that a team of investigators has been deployed to the scene to examine the wreckage and gather data to determine what went wrong.
What Happens Next
The investigation could take several months, as officials analyze the helicopter’s flight path, weather conditions, and mechanical records.
Authorities continue to urge witnesses or anyone with dashcam or phone footage to contact South Yorkshire Police.