London pilot one of two men killed in light aircraft crash
It happened near Rochdale in Greater Manchester on Tuesday
Last updated 6th Feb 2026
A pilot from Harrow, north-west London has been named as one of the two victims of a light aircraft crash in Greater Manchester,
36-year old Arian Abbasi's family has released a statement, saying flying was his passion and he was a "deeply loving father an devoted husband".
On Tuesday (3rd Feb), Greater Manchester Police were called shortly after 11am to reports that an aircraft had crashed in a farmland area of Littleborough, Rochdale.
Emergency services attended, but two men 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 earlier that morning from Birmingham.
Mr Abbassi's family has issued a heartfelt statement, saying Arian was “a deeply loving father and a devoted husband.
“He lived his life for his family and friends, giving them his constant love, strength, and support.
“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."
As investigations continue, officers are searching for part of the parachute system which contains propellant and has not yet been located.
Police say the nature of the terrain, and the wide area over which it may have travelled, has made finding the device very difficult.