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Helicopter crashes near UK town as emergency services swarm horror scene

A helicopter crashed into a field on the outskirts of Doncaster, South Yorkshire, on Thursday morning, just moments after take off, sparking a huge emergency response

[The helicopter came down in a field near Doncaster]

The helicopter came down in a field near Doncaster(Image: Charley Atkins / SWNS)

A huge emergency response has been scrambled after a helicopter crashed into a field just minutes after take off. The chopper, believed to be a private flight, crashed into a field just yards from factories on an industrial estate near Doncaster, South Yorks.

Around 30 emergency vehicles were reported at the scene as police, paramedics and fire crews all rushed to the callout, near a food waste recycling firm, on Thursday morning. A worker at the firm told the Daily Star: "There is police everywhere."

Air crash investigators are also understood to be at the scene in Bentley, on the outskirts of the city. Wreckage is said to be scattered across the field. Photos from the scene show the helicopter on its roof in a field. The condition of the pilot is unknown at this stage.

[The helicopter is thought to be a Robinson R44 Raven II]

The helicopter is thought to be a Robinson R44 Raven II(Image: Wikipedia)

A nearby resident wrote on social media: "Five fire engines, loads of ambulances and about 15 police cars have just flown down Ings lane past my work in Bentley helicopter just landed nearby too. No idea whats gone off but it must be so bad!"

A South Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: At 10.14am today (Thursday 30 October), we were called to Ings Lane, Bentley, where it is reported that a helicopter crashed in a field. Officers and emergency services colleagues are in attendance at the scene.

Ings Lane is closed while we respond to this incident. Please avoid the area and plan an alternative route where possible. Further updates will be provided when they are available.

[The helicopter was minutes into its flight]

The helicopter was minutes into its flight(Image: Charley Atkins / SWNS)

The aircraft, thought to be a Robinson R44 Raven II, had taken off from Gamston Airport near Retford, Notts., at around 10am. In a statement, the airport said: "We can confirm an aircraft based here operated by an onsite tenant has been involved in an incident. We've no further information at this time."

Emergency services were first called to the scene at around 10.14am and a huge cordon is now in place around the scene of the crash Flight data footage appears to show the helicopter diverting off its flightpath over the Wheatley Hall Road area before coming down.

According to the companys website the R44 Raven is easy to maintain, inexpensive to own and operate, and known for steadfast performance. It says the craft has a two-bladed rotor system, streamlined instrument panels and a crashworthy fuel system.

[The helicopter came down near Doncaster, South Yorkshire]

The helicopter came down near Doncaster, South Yorkshire(Image: Google Maps)

It adds: An aluminum monocoque and powder-coated steel tube structure provide a lightweight, yet robust airframe while the aerodynamic fuselage optimizes airspeed and fuel economy.

It further states that the helicopter requires minimal physical effort to operate, reducing pilot fatigue during long flights and eliminates the need for dual independent controls, simplifying operation and reducing mechanical complexity.

A spokesperson for the Air Accidents Investigation Branch said: "The AAIB has been made aware of an accident near Doncaster and has deployed a team to commence an investigation".

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