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The community of Doncaster is in mourning as the man tragically killed in a helicopter crash on Thursday has been officially identified by his heartbroken family as Peter Smith, a 70-year-old "beloved husband, father, and grandfather." While Mr. Smith sadly succumbed to his serious injuries at the scene in a field off Ings Road in Bentley, the swift action of the pilot is being hailed as potentially saving numerous lives.
A Passionate Life Cut Short
In a poignant statement released via South Yorkshire Police, Mr. Smith's family shared a moving tribute to a man whose greatest joy was his family. "Peter was one of the smartest men who liked to spend his time making and fixing things," the statement read. Crucially, they highlighted his "real passion for aviation," a shared love that bonded him with his family. A devoted grandfather, he "particularly liked to spend time with his grandchildren doing crafts and playing," and was a "proud family man" who enjoyed both working and socialising with his son. His passing has left them "all devastated by this sudden loss."
The Crash: A Close Call for the Community
The fatal incident unfolded around 10:14 am on Thursday morning. The aircraft, a private flight understood to be a Robinson R44 Raven II operated by an on-site tenant of Retford Gamston Airport, took off from the airfield at about 10:00 am. Flight tracking data indicated the helicopter flew over the Doncaster area for roughly seven minutes before abruptly stopping near Bentley.
Eyewitnesses, such as local resident Lee Needham, noted the perilous proximity of the crash site to critical infrastructure and residential areas, including houses, train tracks, industrial units, and electrical pylons. Needham’s observation that the pilot "more than likely saved numerous lives" suggests that the 41-year-old pilot, who suffered minor injuries, may have executed an emergency landing or deliberate maneuver to avoid a catastrophic impact in a more populated zone.
Mr. Smith suffered fatal, serious injuries upon impact and was pronounced dead at the scene despite the immediate efforts of emergency medical staff. The other three occupants—the pilot, a 58-year-old woman, and a 10-year-old boy—were fortunate to sustain only minor injuries, a testament to the complex circumstances of the crash.
Joint Investigation Underway
The precise cause of the crash remains unknown, and a parallel, joint investigation has been swiftly launched by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) and South Yorkshire Police. Emergency services, including over 30 crew members, were mobilised to the crash site on Ings Road, which has remained closed for operational work.
The AAIB has confirmed a multi-disciplinary team, comprising experts in aircraft operations, engineering, and recorded data, was deployed on Thursday to gather crucial evidence. Authorities have made a direct appeal to the public for any information or, particularly, footage of the helicopter in the moments leading up to the accident to assist in determining how the crush occurred.
Kuki Helicopters, based at Retford Gamston Airport, expressed their profound sympathy, stating, "At this very sad time, all our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of all those involved," and affirmed their commitment to supporting the ongoing investigation. The Smith family, while supporting the official inquiries, has respectfully pleaded with the public "to not speculate on the circumstances surrounding the accident" and asked for privacy as they grieve their immeasurable loss.
Related News: Doncaster Helicopter Crash Sparks Full Accident Probe: Pilot's Heroism Praised
