A major emergency response is under way after a light aircraft crashed near Hollingworth Lake in Littleborough, with two people believed to have been on board.
Greater Manchester Police, fire crews and paramedics raced to the scene just before midday, today, Monday 3 February. The aircraft, understood to be a Cirrus SR22, crashed on land beneath Blackstone Edge amid heavy winds and poor weather conditions.
One of the most striking images to emerge from the scene shows a large yellow parachute tangled in a pylon, believed to have been deployed before the crash. These aircraft are designed with a built-in parachute system intended to help reduce impact in emergencies.
Emergency services confirmed that they were called to reports of a crash at around 11.30am and remain at the scene to assess casualties and secure the site.
A GMP spokesperson said:
"We are still at the scene of the light aircraft crash in Littleborough and working with other emergency services and the Air Accident Investigation Branch to try and establish the circumstances."
Chief Superintendent Danny Inglis, District Commander for GMP’s Rochdale district, added:
“We are working closely with emergency service colleagues and partner agencies to establish the full circumstances.
“There will be an enhanced presence as officers and investigators comprehensively survey the area and ensure all available evidence is recovered.
“We would ask people to please avoid the area while emergency services remain on scene, to ensure that a full investigation and review can be carried out.
“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 on Live Chat at www.gmp.police.uk, quoting log 1056 of 03/02/26.
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has since launched an official investigation and has dispatched a team of inspectors to the crash site.
"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."
National Grid are also at the scene to support the response and help make the area safe.
Witnesses reported hearing an unusual sound moments before the crash. Martin Kelly, who was in Elland at the time, described it as "the sound of a misfiring rocket" and said the aircraft appeared to be flying unusually low.
Others in the local area spoke of strong winds and poor visibility on the moor, with a Met Office yellow warning for snow and ice in place at the time. Wind gusts were reported to be as high as 28mph.
Flight tracking data from FlightRadar24 showed the aircraft left Birmingham Airport at around 10am, flying north over Burton-upon-Trent and the Peak District before its altitude dropped sharply at 10.34am over Marsden Moor.
The aircraft is believed to have come down near Whittaker Lane, which was closed off as emergency services cordoned off the area. Witnesses have described a heavy presence of police, fire and ambulance vehicles, with helicopters also overhead.
Birmingham Airport confirmed the aircraft had departed from its XLR Executive Jet Centre and said it is working with relevant authorities but will not issue further comment until investigations are complete.
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