A 70-year-old man has died after a helicopter crashed into a field in Bentley, Doncaster, on Thursday morning.
Police attended the scene of the crash near Doncaster just after 10am. The helicopter, a Robinson R44 Raven II, came down shortly after taking off.
South Yorkshire Police said the man who died suffered serious injuries in the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene. His family are aware and are being supported by police.
The pilot, a 41-year-old man, received minor injuries, as did a 58-year-old woman and a 10-year-old boy, police said.
Detective Chief Inspector Gary Magnay, Silver Commander, said: “Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the man who sadly died in this tragic incident.”
Emergency services were called to Ings Lane, Bentley, at 10.15am, and were in attendance alongside police and an air accident investigation team.
The helicopter was a private flight that took off from Gamston airport near Retford shortly before it crashed.
An eyewitness who lives near the site of the crash told Yorkshire Live: “It’s just missed our house! We live on the very end house of the street next to the train tracks.
“I spoke to a few of my neighbours. I don’t think anyone actually saw it come down, but at first we all thought it was a train crash because we saw all of the emergency services firing past.”
DCI Magnay said: “We and our emergency services colleagues remain at the scene, and we have launched a full joint investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident in parallel with the Air Accidents Investigation Branch [AAIB].
“As part of our investigation, we’d ask for anyone with information to get in touch. If you were in the area at the time and saw the events unfold, please contact us. We are particularly keen to hear from those with footage of the helicopter leading up to the crash.”
A cordon has been set up around the crash site, and police are urging people to stay away from the area and to use other routes where possible.
An AAIB spokesperson said: “The AAIB has been made aware of an accident near Doncaster and has deployed a team to commence an investigation.”
In pictures taken at the scene, the helicopter is seen to be on its side in a field, with debris scattered around.
The Robinson R44 Raven II is a four-seater light aircraft. Retford Gamston airport said the helicopter was based at the airport and was operated by an onsite tenant.
A South Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “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.”
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