Doncaster helicopter crash: Investigations continue overnight at scene of tragedy
Investigations into a fatal helicopter crash in Doncaster which killed a 70-year-old man have continued overnight at the scene of the tragedy.
A joint probe is under way into the crash, which saw the helicopter crash into a field near Ings Road in Bentley yesterday morning.
A 70 year-old man died at the scene while a child and two other adults were also injured in the crash.
South Yorkshire Police and the Air Accidents Investigation Branch have been working throughout the night to determine the cause of the tragedy, which sparked a huge emergency operation.
An AAIB spokesperson said: “A team of inspectors has been sent to Doncaster to begin investigating a helicopter accident which occurred on Thursday 30 October.
“A multi-disciplinary team including inspectors with expertise in aircraft operations, engineering and recorded data have been deployed to the accident site to gather evidence and make enquiries.”
Police were called at 10.14am yesterday after the helicopter crashed minutes after taking off from Gamston Airport near Retford.
The helicopter came down in a field, narrowly avoiding factories, homes and nearby railway lines.
The Robinson R44 Raven was operated by flying school firm Kuki Helicopters, which operates out of Gamston.
South Yorkshire Police is appealing for anyone who saw or heard the helicopter to get in touch.
A spokespersom said: “Officers and emergency services colleagues are in attendance at the scene as part of a multi-agency response.
“A 70-year-old man suffered serious injuries in the crash and despite the best efforts of medical staff, he was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
"His family is aware and being supported by our officers.”
The pilot, a 41-year-old man, and two other passengers, a 58-year-old woman and a 10-year-old boy, received minor injuries.
Ings Road remains closed while emergency services carry out their work.
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.
"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 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."
If you can have information which could help the investigation, please contact us online or by calling 101, quoting incident number 218 of 30 October 2025.
You can report online here: https://orlo.uk/n1xcC
You can submit video footage here: https://orlo.uk/xCUzS
Doncaster North MP Ed Miliband, who represents the consituency where the crash happened said: “This is devastating news and my thoughts are with the family and friends of the victim of this terrible incident. “My office are in touch with the relevant authorities including South Yorkshire Police, and I know the whole of Doncaster will be united in having the victim in their thoughts."