Tributes paid to pilot killed in Rochdale aircraft crash
Family say Arian Abbasi was a devoted husband and father who was about to start a new chapter
Last updated 6th Feb 2026
A man who died in a light aircraft crash in Rochdale has been described by his family as “a deeply loving father and a devoted husband”.
Emergency services were called shortly after 11am on 3rd February to farmland in Littleborough, Rochdale, following reports of an aircraft crash.
Two men were pronounced dead at the scene. No one else was believed to be on board, and there were no injuries reported on the ground.
One of those who died has been named as 36-year-old Arian Abbasi, a pilot from Harrow in Greater London.
Family tribute
In a statement, his family said:
“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 23rd February; a dream he had worked toward with immense pride and determination.”
Search for missing part of parachute system
Investigators are continuing their work at the scene and are asking for help to find part of the aircraft’s parachute system.
A specific component containing propellant has not yet been found.
The device is described as being approximately 10 cm in diameter and 30 cm long, with a red anodised finish and possibly a silver metal collar at one end. It weighs less than 2 kg.
Due to the nature of the terrain and how far the device may have travelled, it has proven difficult to locate.
Police are urging anyone who sees the device not to touch it and to call 101 or use the Live Chat at gmp.police.uk, quoting log 1056 of 3rd February 2026.