Overview
- Peter Smith, 70, was pronounced dead at the scene, while the pilot, 41, a 58-year-old woman and a 10-year-old boy sustained minor injuries.
- The private four-seat helicopter crashed into a field off Ings Lane in Bentley at about 10:14 a.m., minutes after departing Retford Gamston Airport.
- The AAIB and South Yorkshire Police have deployed investigators on site and are appealing for witnesses and any footage of the aircraft before the crash.
- Smith’s family issued a tribute requesting privacy, and the pilot’s wife credited the pilot’s quick actions with saving lives and urged against speculation.
- A large cordon and multi-agency presence remain near homes, rail lines and industrial units, and officials have not identified a cause.