In a heartbreaking incident this morning, two men lost their lives when a light aircraft crashed onto farmland in Greater Manchester. The Cirrus SR 20 aircraft went down near the M62 at Littleborough, close to Rochdale, around 11:00 GMT, shortly after taking off from Birmingham Airport.
Details of the Incident
The ill-fated flight departed from the XLR Executive Jet Centre at Birmingham Airport at approximately 10:00. Shortly after take-off, the aircraft encountered difficulties, leading to the tragic accident. The Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have confirmed that emergency services promptly recovered the bodies of the two male occupants; no other individuals were on board, and there were no reported injuries to those on the ground.
A notable feature of the Cirrus SR 20 is its parachute deployment system, designed to enhance safety during emergencies. Images circulating on social media have shown what appears to be a yellow parachute canopy tangled in an electricity pylon near the crash site, indicating that the system may have been activated.
Emergency Response and Investigation
The crash prompted a swift response from local emergency services, including police, firefighters, and an air ambulance, who arrived at the scene on Tunshill Lane, near Tunshill Golf Club. GMP set up a cordon around the area to secure the scene as investigators from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch commenced their inquiries.
Ch Supt Danny Inglis expressed condolences, stating, “This is a devastating incident where two people have lost their lives, and our thoughts are with their families and friends.” He assured the public that investigators would remain on-site throughout the day and into tomorrow to gather all pertinent evidence.
Eyewitness Accounts
Local residents have shared their experiences of the incident. Pete Robinson, a farmer, was feeding sheep when he noticed emergency vehicles responding to the scene. “I thought I saw a paraglider on the moor edge, with engines and lights everywhere,” he remarked, noting the treacherous wind conditions at the time.
Stephanie Mills, from a nearby riding school, described the scene to BBC Radio Manchester, stating, “There wasn’t any noise—I didn’t hear anything—but there is a huge yellow parachute. There is a lot of police and helicopters here too.” Similarly, Andrew Mayall, a greenkeeper at a local golf club, initially mistook the parachute for a large sheet being blown by the strong winds.
Birmingham Airport’s Statement
In response to the tragedy, a spokesperson for Birmingham Airport confirmed that the aircraft had departed from their facilities and stated, “We are supporting all our partners, and no further comment will be made until all facts are established.” XLR, the executive jet centre from which the flight originated, caters to private clients and aims to provide a premium flying experience.
Why it Matters
The loss of life in aviation incidents is always a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with flight, even in private aviation. As investigations unfold, the focus will be on understanding the factors that contributed to this tragic crash. This incident not only impacts the families of the victims but also raises crucial questions about safety protocols in the aviation industry, underscoring the need for stringent measures to prevent future tragedies and ensure the safety of all air travel.
