Rochdale MP Paul Waugh has spoken out following what he described as a "truly awful tragedy" after a small aircraft crashed in the countryside near Littleborough, resulting in the deaths of two individuals. The plane had taken off from Birmingham Airport earlier on Tuesday morning before the fatal incident occurred.
Details of the Fatal Incident
The aircraft involved has been identified as a Cirrus SR20 G6 Premium Platinum, registration G-GXVV. It departed from Birmingham Airport at approximately 10:00 AM on Tuesday, 3rd February 2026. Shortly after takeoff, the plane lost altitude and crashed in a rural area near Littleborough, close to Rochdale, just before 11:00 AM.
Greater Manchester Police have confirmed that both the pilot and a passenger lost their lives in the accident. Formal identification procedures are still underway as authorities work to notify next of kin and gather evidence from the scene.
Emergency Response and Investigation
A substantial emergency service response was mobilised following the crash, with multiple agencies attending the scene throughout the day. Photographs from the location revealed that the aircraft's parachute system had been deployed but became entangled in a pylon during the descent.
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has confirmed that a team of investigators has been dispatched to conduct a thorough examination of the crash site. In their official statement, the AAIB noted: "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."
Political Response and Condolences
Rochdale MP Paul Waugh expressed his profound sympathy for those affected by the tragedy, stating: "This is a truly awful tragedy and my thoughts are with the two men's families and friends." The MP added that he had been in regular contact with Chief Superintendent Inglis throughout the day to monitor developments.
Waugh continued: "I want to thank all the emergency services who attended the scene and are working to gather evidence. 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."
Flight Path and Ownership Details
Flight tracking data from FlightRadar24 indicates that the aircraft's last signal was received just south of the M62 motorway near Marsden, West Yorkshire. Birmingham Airport has confirmed that the private light aircraft departed from its XLR Executive Jet Centre earlier that morning.
Daedalus Aviation (Services) Ltd, the registered owner of the aircraft, has acknowledged the incident but declined to provide further comment at this stage. A company representative stated they are "currently working with the authorities on the investigation and have no further comment."
The investigation continues as authorities work to determine the precise circumstances that led to this tragic aviation accident.
