A GRANDAD who died in a helicopter crash has been named 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 the horror incident in Doncaster on Thursday.
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.”
Horror crash
The chopper was reportedly a Robinson R44 Raven II, a four-seat light helicopter.
It’s understood to have crashed mere minutes after taking off, coming down in a field near a food waste recycling firm.
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has deployed a team to investigate the horror.
An AAIB spokesperson said: “The AAIB has been made aware of an accident near Doncaster and has deployed a team to commence an investigation.”
Debris was left strewn across the field as dozens of emergency vehicles scrambled to get to the scene.
The helicopter appears to have been completely smashed with pictures from the scene showing the tail shattered and dents across the body of the aircraft.
Images from the scene of the crash show the chopper upside down in the middle of the field.
The blades of the rotor are nowhere to be seen with the belly of the aircraft pointed up towards the sky.
A nearby road has been closed off as emergency crews deal with the chaotic scene, the public is asked to use other routes where possible.
People have been urged to stay away from the crash site and the surrounding area.
A large police cordon remains in place as officers keep the area clear of pedestrians.
South Yorkshire Police previously said: “At 10.14am today (Thursday 30 October), we were called to Ings Lane, Bentley, where it is reported that a helicopter crashed in a field.
“Officers and emergency services colleagues are in attendance at the scene.
“Ings Lane is closed while we respond to this incident.
“Please avoid the area and plan an alternative route where possible. Further updates will be provided when they are available.”
