A major investigation is underway
10:00, 04 Feb 2026Updated 10:03, 04 Feb 2026
Emergency services at the scene of a light aircraft crash in Littleborough(Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News)
Police have begun their second day at the scene of a light aircraft crash which killed two men near Rochdale. Emergency services were sent out to farmland near Blackstone Edge, in Littleborough, shortly after 11am on Tuesday morning (February 3).
Greater Manchester Police says the bodies of two men were recovered, with both sadly pronounced dead at the scene. It is not believed that anyone else was on board the Cirrus SR20 light aircraft which plummeted to the ground.
Images from the scene this morning (Wednesday) show at least three Greater Manchester Police vehicles in attendance. The aircraft at the centre of the investigation remains in situ.
A yellow parachute was seen caught in a pylon on Tuesday following the collision. It’s believed this was part of the ballistic recovery system which features on Cirrus aircraft models, which deploys in emergency situations to lower the vehicle to the ground. The parachute has since been removed.
The Air Accident Investigation Branch has launched an investigation into the collision. The aircraft departed from Birmingham Airport earlier on Tuesday morning.
A light aircraft involved in a crash in Littleborough(Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News)
Flight tracking website FlightRadar24 reported the aircraft took off shortly before 10am, before sending its final signal near Marsden, West Yorkshire, around 40 minutes later. A spokesman for Birmingham Airport confirmed that a private light aircraft left its XLR Executive Jet Centre.
The two men killed are yet to be formally identified. Paul Waugh, Labour MP for Rochdale, posted on Facebook: “Our community is deeply saddened by the tragic small plane crash in Littleborough.
“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to the families and friends of the two people who lost their lives. No words can ease the shock of such a sudden loss, but we hope their loved ones find strength in the support around them and comfort in cherished memories.”
He added: “This is a truly awful tragedy and my thoughts are with the two men’s families and friends. I want to thank all the emergency services who attended the scene and are working to gather evidence.
Police at the scene this morning(Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News)
“All Rochdalians, including those of us who frequently walk across those moors beneath Blackstone Edge, will want to send our deepest condolences to those affected by this heartbreaking loss. As the police have said, if anyone has any information, or witnessed the crash, do get in touch with them.”
GMP says an enhanced police presence will remain at the scene while investigations continue. Chief Superintendent Danny Inglis, from GMP’s Rochdale district, said on Tuesday: “This is a devastating incident where two people have lost their lives and our thoughts are with their families and friends.
“We have been working closely with emergency service colleagues and partner agencies throughout the day to establish the full circumstances and we will be on scene overnight and into tomorrow. There will be an enhanced presence as officers and investigators comprehensively survey the area and ensure all available evidence is recovered. If anyone has any information, or witnessed the crash, we would urge you to get in touch with us.”
An Air Accidents Investigation Branch spokesperson added: “An accident involving a light aircraft which occurred today (3 February) near Rochdale, Greater Manchester, has been notified to the AAIB. An investigation has been launched and a multidisciplinary team of inspectors are on their way to the accident site.”
Witnesses are being asked to come forward to GMP. Details can be passed on by calling 101 or using Live Chat on GMP’s website, quoting log number 1056 of February 3, 2026.