Investigation Underway After Littleborough Plane Crash

Two people have sadly died after a small plane crash in Littleborough, Manchester earlier today (3 February).

Emergency services responded to reports that a Cirrus SR20 plane had crashed in a farmland area of Littleborough, Manchester, shortly after 11am.

Once they arrived at the scene two men were found and, sadly, they were pronounced dead at the scene.

It is not believed there was anyone else on board, and there are no reported injuries on the ground. The aircraft had taken off from Birmingham Airport around an hour earlier.

The weather conditions at the time of the crash were clear, although a little bit gusty at ground level. Gusts of up to 20 mph have been reported, and the temperature was between 2 and 3°C. Although we have to wait for the AAIB investigators to report back on exactly why this aircraft crashed, we can look at what could have brought down the Cirrus, and one of them would be weather conditions.

Other reasons for this type of aircraft would be engine issues, no fuel, pilot error or incapacitation, and a bird strike is possible. The AAIB will get recordings of what has been said between the pilot and ATC (Air Traffic Control), which will help find some of the reasons for what was happening before the crash.

The AAIB investigators will soon be looking at the aircraft, taking photos and looking for damage to the wings, tail, and engine. With all this information, they will then be certain enough to write the report of exactly how this aircraft ended up crashing and how the two people tragically died despite the parachute being deployed.

GMP is working alongside colleagues in other emergency services, and a cordon remains in place around the area as investigators continue with their inquiries.

The Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) has arrived on the scene this evening and is conducting their investigation.

National Grid has also been at the scene to support the response and help make the area safe; yet, they have confirmed there should be no disruption to the electricity supply.

There may be some minor disruption to local residents over the coming hours, and we thank them for their patience.

Chief Superintendent Danny Inglis, from GMP’s Rochdale district, said: “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.”

You can contact police via 101 or our Live Chat at gmp.police.uk, quoting log 1056 of 03/02/26.

Image shows a Cirrus SR20 landing by FlugKerl2