Pilot's Dream Job Cut Short in Tragic Rochdale Plane Crash
The family of a pilot killed in a devastating plane crash have revealed he was due to start his 'dream' job at a commercial airline later this month. Arian Abbasi, aged 36, died alongside another man when their Cirrus light aircraft plunged into a field in Littleborough, Rochdale, shortly after 11am on Tuesday.
Family's Heartbreaking Tribute to a Loving Father and Husband
In a poignant tribute released today, the family of Mr Abbasi, from Harrow in Greater London, described him as 'a deeply loving father and a devoted husband'. They said: 'He lived his life for his family and friends, giving them his constant love, strength and support. Flying was his passion, and he was on the brink of beginning an exciting new chapter with a commercial airline on February 23; a dream he had worked toward with immense pride and determination.'
Details of the Fatal Flight and Crash Site
The private aircraft had departed from Birmingham Airport's XLR Executive Jet Centre at approximately 10am on Tuesday. According to tracking data from FlightRadar24, the aircraft lost signal at 10.38am, which is likely the precise moment of the crash. Images circulated on social media appear to show a yellow parachute caught on a pylon near the wreckage of the plane.
Reports suggest that one of the two men attempted to evacuate the aircraft using the parachute system but did not survive the incident. The crash site in Littleborough has been the focus of an intensive emergency response and ongoing investigation.
Police Investigation and Search for Critical Evidence
A force spokesman confirmed that investigations into the crash are continuing, with officers actively searching for a specific part of the parachute system that contains the propellant. The spokesman explained: 'The nature of the terrain, and the wide area over which it may have travelled, has made finding the device very difficult.'
The device in question is described as measuring about 10cm in diameter and 30cm in length, with a red anodised finish. It weighs less than 2kg and may have a silver metal collar attached at one end. Police have issued a public warning advising anyone who finds the propellant not to handle it but to contact authorities immediately on 101 or through the live chat at gmp.police.uk, quoting log 1056 of 03/02/26.
Authorities Express Condolences and Commitment to Inquiry
Chief Superintendent Danny Inglis of Greater Manchester Police's Rochdale district stated: 'This is a devastating incident where two people have lost their lives and our thoughts are with their families and friends. We have been working closely with emergency service colleagues and partner agencies throughout the day to establish the full circumstances and we will be on scene overnight and into tomorrow.'
The tragic loss of Arian Abbasi, just as he was about to embark on a long-awaited career advancement, has sent shockwaves through the aviation community and beyond. His family's tribute underscores the profound personal impact of this accident, while authorities remain dedicated to uncovering the precise causes behind the fatal crash.
