Investigation continues after Littleborough light aircraft crash

Photos from the scene show the dramatic response after the small plane came down near the lake.

Michael Perry, 31, a travel advisor, was out walking his dog when he noticed the large-scale emergency operation.

He said: “It looked like it crashed into a telegraph pole.

“I didn’t see the crash but I did see response units making their way there – there were so many.

“I’d say about 30, maybe more. You don’t see that many response units over nothing, I think it may be quite severe.

“It’s normally the quietest area ever, so it was surreal to see.”

Police urged people to avoid the area while the investigation continued (Image: Michael Perry, SWNS)

It is believed the aircraft, a small Cirrus SR20, took off from Birmingham, West Midlands, with two people on board.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) released a statement earlier: “Emergency services are responding to reports of a light aircraft crash in the Littleborough area.

“We are currently in attendance to establish the full circumstances and assess any casualties.

“A scene is in place whilst emergency service workers conduct their enquiries and people are asked to avoid the area as this work is carried out.”

Emergency services were sent to a patch of farmland in Littleborough (Image: Michael Perry, SWNS)

Following this, GMP provided a further update, confirming they have been working with other emergency services and the Air Accident Investigation Branch to investigate the crash.

National Grid teams were also at the scene to support the response and help make the area safe.

Chief Superintendent Danny Inglis, from GMP’s Rochdale district, said:
“We are working closely with emergency service colleagues and partner agencies 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.

“We would ask people to please avoid the area while emergency services remain on scene, to ensure that a full investigation and review can be carried out.

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

Minor road closures were put in place in the immediate vicinity, and residents were asked to avoid the area while emergency services conducted their enquiries.

Members of the public with information can contact GMP via 101 or through the Live Chat at gmp.police.uk, quoting log 1056 of 03/02/26.