Man dies after helicopter crashes into field in South Yorkshire

Pilot and two other passengers, including 10-year-old boy, sustain minor injuries in incident near Doncaster

A 70-year-old man has died after a helicopter crashed into a field near Doncaster, South Yorkshire, police said.

The pilot, a 41-year-old man, and two other passengers, a 10-year-old boy and 58-year-old woman, sustained only minor injuries after the crash in Bentley on Thursday morning.

A joint investigation has been launched by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) and South Yorkshire police into the cause of the crash.

Det Ch Insp 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.”

Emergency services were called to Ings Lane, Bentley, at 10.15am on Thursday.

South Yorkshire police 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.”

According to reports, it is believed the helicopter was a private flight that took off from Gamston airport, near Retford, shortly before it crashed.

A witness, Lee Needham, who lives in the area, told the BBC that the helicopter had come down close to houses, train tracks, industrial units and electrical pylons. “Whoever was piloting the helicopter more than likely saved numerous lives,” he said.