Helicopter crash victim named by family

A man who died in a helicopter crash in Doncaster on Thursday has been named by his family as Peter Smith, aged 70.

The pilot, 41, and two other passengers, a 58-year-old woman and a boy, 10, suffered minor injuries.

In a statement released by South Yorkshire Police, the family described Mr Smith as "a beloved husband, father and grandfather" and said they were "all devastated by this sudden loss".

"He had a real passion for aviation, and this was something he shared with his family," they added.

"He particularly liked to spend time with his grandchildren doing crafts and playing. He was a proud family man who spent a lot of his time with his son, both working with and socially. Peter loved to have meals out with his wife and had a particularly sweet tooth."

The aircraft had taken off from Retford Gamston Airport, in Nottinghamshire, shortly before it crashed in the Doncaster suburb of Bentley, off Ings Lane, just after 10:00 GMT.

South Yorkshire Police and the government's Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) have launched a joint investigation into the incident.

In the statement, the family said they were supporting the investigation and asked people "to not speculate on the circumstances surrounding the accident".

"We would like to ask for privacy during this incredibly difficult time to allow us to come to terms with what has occurred and grieve for the loss of Peter," they added.

A spokesperson for the AAIB said a team of experts in aircraft operations, engineering and recorded data had been deployed to the site on Thursday.

The aircraft is understood to have been owned by Kuki Helicopters, based at Retford Gamston Airport. The firm said it would "continue to support" the agencies involved in the investigation into the crash.

The firm, which according to its website offers flying lessons and experiences, said in a post on Facebook: "At this very sad time all our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of all those involved in the helicopter incident which happened yesterday."

The statement continued: "Our heartfelt condolences are sent to everyone affected by this tragedy and we will of course continue to support relevent agencies involved in the continuing investigation."