Emergency crews race to scene of light-aircraft crash in Greater Manchester
People are being urged to avoid the area
Last updated 3rd Feb 2026
Emergency services are responding to reports of a light aircraft crash near Rochdale, Greater Manchester Police said.
Two people are believed to have been onboard the aircraft, which crashed in the Littleborough area on Tuesday.
Chief Superintendent Danny Inglis, District Commander for GMP’s Rochdale district, said: “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.”
The aircraft appears to have had on-board parachute
The aircraft is understood to be a Cirrus SR 20, which are fitted with parachutes which can be deployed in the event of an emergency.
A Birmingham Airport spokesperson said: "We can confirm that a private light aircraft left BHX, from the XLR Executive Jet Centre at around 10am today. We are supporting all our partners, and no further comment will be made until all facts are established by our third-party partners.”
Air Accident Investigators head to the scene
It's also been confirmed an investigation has begun.
A spokesperson for the UK's Air Accident Investigation Branch says:
"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."