A tragic plane crash in Littleborough, Rochdale, claimed the life of pilot Arian Abbasi, aged 36, and another unnamed individual. The accident occurred when a Cirrus SR20 light aircraft went down on farmland between Blackstone Edge and Hollingworth Lake. Emergency services were alerted to the incident shortly after 11:00 on February 3, 2026.
Abbasi’s family expressed their deep sorrow, revealing that he was on the brink of a significant career milestone. “Flying was his passion,” they stated, adding that he was set to begin a new role as a commercial airline pilot on February 23. This was a dream he had pursued with determination and pride.
According to the Manchester Evening News, the aircraft departed from Birmingham Airport shortly before 10:00, flying for about 40 minutes before losing signal just south of the M62 motorway near Marsden, West Yorkshire. The plane was operated by Daedalus Aviation, a company that provides pilot training services.
A parachute, part of the aircraft’s safety features, was discovered tangled in an electricity pylon near the crash site. The Cirrus SR20 is equipped with the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS), designed to deploy a parachute in emergencies to help safely land the aircraft. Nonetheless, both men on board did not survive the crash, and there were no injuries reported on the ground, as confirmed by Greater Manchester Police (GMP).
Authorities are currently investigating the incident. GMP noted that officers are searching for part of the parachute system that contains propellant and has not yet been located. The device, which measures approximately 10 cm in diameter and 30 cm long, is described as having a red anodised finish and weighing less than 2 kg.
“The nature of the terrain, and the wide area over which it may have travelled, has made finding the device very difficult,” GMP stated. They urged anyone who might discover the device to contact the police immediately, emphasizing that it should not be handled.
Abbasi’s family remembered him as “a deeply loving father and a devoted husband,” highlighting his commitment to family and friends. His death has left a profound impact on his loved ones, who are grieving the loss of a passionate aviator and dedicated family man.
As investigations continue, the aviation community mourns the loss of Abbasi, reflecting on his aspirations and the potential he had to influence the skies as a commercial pilot.
