The family of a man who died in a helicopter crash paid tribute to him.
Police were called to Ings Road in Bentley, Doncaster, on Thursday morning after reports of a helicopter crashing in a field.
70-year-old Peter Smith suffered serious injuries in the accident and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The pilot, a 41-year-old man, and two other passengers, a 58-year-old woman and a 10-year-old boy, sustained minor injuries.
In a statement released by South Yorkshire Police, Mr Smith’s family described him as a “beloved husband, father and grandfather” and said they were “devastated by this sudden loss”.
His family said in the tribute: “Peter was one of the most intelligent men who loved to spend his time building and fixing things. He had a real passion for aviation and this was something he shared with his family.
“He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren doing crafts and games. He was a proud family man who spent a lot of time with his son both at work and socializing. Peter loved to eat with his wife and had a special sweet tooth.”
“We understand that a parallel investigation is currently underway between the Air Accidents Investigation Branch and South Yorkshire Police, which we are supporting, and would urge the public not to speculate about the circumstances surrounding the accident.
We would like to request privacy at this very difficult time to allow us to come to terms with what has happened and to grieve the loss of Peter.
Police attended the crash near Doncaster just after 10am on Thursday. The Robinson R44 Raven II helicopter crashed shortly after takeoff.
Emergency forces were dispatched to the site and were present at the site along with the air crash investigation team.
The helicopter was a private flight that took off from Gamestown Airport near Retford shortly before the crash. The Robinson R44 Raven II is a four-seater light aircraft that was based at the airport and operated by an on-site charterer.
Cookie Helicopters, based at Nottinghamshire Airport, is believed to own the aircraft. The company, which offers lessons and flight experiences, said it would “continue to support the relevant agencies in the ongoing investigation”.
The company said in a post on Facebook: “At this very sad time, all our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of all involved in the helicopter accident that occurred yesterday.”
“Our sincere condolences go out to all those affected by this tragedy.”
South Yorkshire Police are appealing for anyone with information or who was in the area at the time and witnessed the incident to contact them. Police are keen to hear from anyone who has footage of the helicopter crashing.
