Police have issued a significant update regarding the investigation into a fatal plane crash that occurred near Littleborough on February 3. Emergency services were alerted to the crash site on farmland near Blackstone Edge shortly after a private Cirrus SR20 light aircraft took off from Birmingham Airport.
The plane crashed approximately 40 minutes after departure. Greater Manchester Police (GMP), alongside specialist investigators from the Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB), continue to probe the circumstances surrounding the tragedy, as reported by Manchester Evening News.
Tragically, both occupants of the aircraft were pronounced dead at the scene. One of the victims has been identified as 36-year-old Arian Abbasi, remembered by his family as a deeply loving father and devoted husband. He had been on the cusp of beginning an exciting new career as a commercial airline pilot.
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Authorities have stated that all investigative avenues remain open. Part of the ongoing inquiry focuses on the deployment of the plane’s emergency parachute system, a parachute from which became entangled on a nearby pylon.
The crash site remained secured for several days, with police issuing a strict warning to the public not to interfere with any debris. This caution was particularly aimed at a missing component of the parachute system that contains a propellant, posing a potential hazard.
Police sought assistance from the public to locate this small, 30cm device. Fortunately, a member of the public found and safely reported the device on February 7. The recovery was welcomed by investigators.
In an official statement, police said: “Following our earlier appeal regarding the Littleborough aircraft crash, we have safely retrieved the missing parachute component. We thank the community for their assistance and the individual who found the item for their support.”
The aircraft, registered G-GXVV, was owned by Daedalus Aviation (Services) Ltd, a Birmingham-based firm specializing in pilot training experiences. Data from FlightRadar24 confirms the aircraft’s departure from Birmingham Airport and final signal near Marsden, West Yorkshire, approximately 40 minutes after takeoff. The investigation continues as authorities work to determine the cause of this devastating crash.