The aviation community is in mourning following the tragic light aircraft crash near Rochdale, which has now claimed two lives, both men described as having a profound passion for flying. The aircraft involved had departed from Birmingham Airport shortly before the incident.
Second Victim Named as 'Lovely Young Man'
A friend has identified the second victim as Mustafa Obadey, aged 39 and from the Greenford area of West London. In heartfelt tributes shared online, he was remembered as a cheerful and optimistic individual who was deeply loved by all who knew him.
A colleague posted a moving tribute, stating: "The other man who died in the crash is Mustafa Obadey, who shared a passion for flying. He was a very popular person and loved by everyone who met him, and a good friend of mine."
The friend added poignant words, reflecting on the sudden loss: "You'll never get a chance to say goodbye to loved ones until it's too late. My friend Mustafa died in a plane crash in Manchester. He was such a lovely young man, always cheerful and an optimist. I can't imagine going to work and not seeing him."
Details of the Fatal Incident
The crash occurred on Tuesday, February 3, when a Cirrus SR20 G6 Premium Platinum plane went down near Rochdale in Greater Manchester. The aircraft had taken off from Birmingham Airport approximately 40 minutes prior to the accident.
The Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) has confirmed that an investigation is underway. A multidisciplinary team of inspectors has been dispatched to the accident site to determine the cause of this devastating event.
Pilot Previously Named and Remembered
Greater Manchester Police had earlier named the pilot as Arian Abbasi, 36, from Harrow. His family released a tribute last week, describing him as a deeply loving father and devoted husband.
"He lived his life for his family and friends, giving them his constant love, strength, and support," the family statement said. "Flying was his passion, and he was on the brink of beginning an exciting new chapter with a commercial airline on 23 February; a dream he had worked toward with immense pride and determination."
Aircraft and Company Background
The aircraft involved, registered as G-GXVV, was owned by Daedalus Aviation (Services) Ltd, a Birmingham-based company that offers pilot training experiences. This connection underscores the local ties to the West Midlands region.
A Birmingham Airport spokesperson commented on the incident, stating: "We can confirm that a private light aircraft left BHX, from the XLR Executive Jet Centre at around 10am on 3 February. We are supporting all our partners, and no further comment will be made until all facts are established by our third-party partners."
Ongoing Investigations and Inquests
Opening inquests for both Mustafa Obadey and Arian Abbasi are scheduled to be held at Rochdale Coroner's Court on Tuesday, February 17. These proceedings will formally begin the legal process to examine the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
In response to the tragedy, a crowdfunder has been established in memory of Mustafa Obadey, highlighting the community's effort to support his grieving family during this difficult time.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on uncovering the facts behind this double tragedy, while friends, family, and colleagues remember two individuals whose lives were cut short but whose passion for aviation left a lasting impact.
