A ‘beloved grandad’ who died after a helicopter crashed after taking off from a Retford airfield has been named as Peter Smith, aged 70.

The family have today paid tribute to him in a statement released by police.

The aircraft had taken off from Retford Gamston Airport shortly before it crashed in the Doncaster suburb of Bentley, off Ings Lane, just after 10:00 GMT on Thursday (October 30).

Peter Smith, aged 70, suffered serious injuries in the crash and despite the best efforts of medical staff, was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

The pilot, a 41-year-old man, and two other passengers, a 58-year-old woman and a 10-year-old boy, received minor injuries.

Peter’s family have shared the following tribute: “We as a family sadly lost Peter in the most tragic of circumstances when he was involved in a helicopter crash in Bentley, Doncaster.

“Peter was a beloved husband, father and grandfather and we are all devastated by this sudden loss.

“Peter was one of the smartest men who liked to spend his time making and fixing things. He had a real passion for aviation, and this was something he shared with his family.

“He particularly liked to spend time with his grandchildren doing crafts and playing. He was a proud family man who spent a lot of his time with his son both working with and socially. Peter loved to have meals out with his wife and had a particularly sweet tooth.

“We understand that a parallel investigation is currently underway between The Air Accidents Investigation Branch and South Yorkshire Police which we are supporting, and we ask members of the public to not speculate on the circumstances surrounding the accident.

“We would like to ask for privacy during this incredibly difficult time to allow us to come to terms with what has occurred and grieve for the loss of Peter.”

Police are asking for anyone with information to get in touch. They are particularly keen to hear from those with footage of the helicopter leading up to the crash.