'Beloved' grandfather, 70, who died in a helicopter crash has been named by his family

A grandfather with a "passion for aviation" who died in a helicopter crash has been named by his family. Distraught relatives of Peter Smith, aged 70, described him as a "beloved husband, father and grandfather" and a "proud family man" who "liked to spend time with his grandchildren doing crafts and playing".

Mr Smith died after a helicopter crashed in a field near Ings Road, Bentley, near Doncaster, South Yorkshire at 10.15am on Thursday. Photographs from the scene showed the aircraft appearded to have to rest on its side on the ground.

South Yorkshire Police said Mr Smith suffered serious injuries in the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene. The pilot of the aircraft, a 41-year-old man, and two other passengers, a 10-year-old boy and 58-year-old woman, suffered only minor injuries following the incident.

The helicopter is believed to have crashed shortly after taking off from Retford Gamston Airport in Nottinghamshire.

A spokesperson for the airport said the aircraft was based at the airport and operated by an onsite tenant.

Mr Smith's family have shared the following tribute via police: "On Thursday October 30, 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 under way 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. Officers are particularly keen to hear from those with footage of the helicopter leading up to the crash.

People can contact police online or by calling 101, quoting incident number 218 of October 30.