Police appeal for information after two people die in light aircraft crash in Rochdale

Two people are confirmed to have died following a light aircraft crash into an area of farmland in Rochdale.

Emergency services responded to reports that an aircraft had crashed in a farmland area of Littleborough in Rochdale shortly after 11am yesterday (3 February 2026), and upon arrival at the scene, the bodies of two men were recovered – before they were, sadly, pronounced dead.

The plane had taken off earlier in the morning from Birmingham, and it is believed that it was a Cirrus light aircraft.

According to Greater Manchester Police (GMP), there wasn’t anyone else onboard the plane, and there are no reported injuries on the ground either.

Police are also ‘additionally exploring’ the deployment of a parachute prior to the crash.

GMP is working in conjunction with colleagues in other emergency services – including the Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB), which arrived on the scene yesterday evening to begin conducting their own investigation – and a cordon remains in place around the area as all investigators continue with their enquiries.

National Grid also attended the scene to support the response and help make the area safe, however it has been confirmed there should be no disruption to electricity supply.

A public appeal for information and witnesses has now been issued, with Chief Superintendent Danny Inglis, from GMP’s Rochdale district, explaining: “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. There will be an enhanced presence as officers and investigators comprehensively survey the area and ensure all available evidence is recovered.

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“If anyone has any information, or witnessed the crash, we would urge you to get in touch with us.”

Can you help? Anyone with information can contact police via 101 or the Live Chat at gmp.police.uk, quoting log 1056 of 03/02/26.

Featured Image – tom00la (via Flickr)