Two men killed as aircraft crashes on to Littleborough farmland

Two men killed as aircraft crashes on to Littleborough farmland

Two men tragically lost their lives when a light aircraft crashed onto farmland in Greater Manchester, according to police reports. The small private plane, a Cirrus SR 20, went down near the M62 motorway in Littleborough, close to Rochdale, at approximately 11:00 GMT. The aircraft had departed about an hour earlier from the XLR Executive Jet Centre based at Birmingham Airport, known for serving VIP clients.

Authorities confirmed that no other individuals were aboard the plane, and fortunately, there were no injuries reported on the ground. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) revealed that investigators from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch have been dispatched to the scene and that a police cordon remains in place to secure the area as inquiries continue. Emergency services including police, firefighters, and an air ambulance responded promptly to the crash site, which is located near Tunshill Lane, just off Kiln Lane and in proximity to Tunshill Golf Club.

Significantly, the Cirrus SR 20 model is equipped with a ballistic parachute system designed to assist in emergencies. Eyewitnesses and images circulating on social media show what appeared to be a yellow parachute canopy caught on a nearby electricity pylon. GMP spokespersons confirmed that bodies of the two victims have been recovered. Chief Superintendent Danny Inglis expressed condolences, saying, “This is a devastating incident where two people have lost their lives and our thoughts are with their families and friends.” He added that efforts were ongoing overnight and into the following day to gather evidence and fully understand the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Local residents also shared their observations. Pete Robinson, a farmer from Shaw, recounted that he initially heard sirens while tending to his sheep and saw an intense emergency response near Blackstone Edge. Another witness, Stephanie Mills from Dickey Steps Riding School, described seeing a large yellow parachute and noted the presence of police and helicopters but did not hear any noise from the crash. A Birmingham Airport spokesperson confirmed the flight’s departure time and stated that they are cooperating with partners but have made no further comments pending the investigation. The XLR Executive Jet Centre, which operates at several locations including Birmingham and Liverpool, describes itself as providing a premium experience for discerning private and VIP travelers

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