Family of man killed in light aircraft crash pay tribute to “deeply loving father and a devoted husband”

Shortly after 11am on Tuesday 3 February we were called to reports that an aircraft had crashed in farmland area of Littleborough, Rochdale. 

Emergency services attended, but sadly, two men were pronounced dead at the scene. 

It is not believed there was anyone else on board, and there are no reported injuries on the ground. 

The aircraft had taken off earlier that morning from Birmingham. 

The family of one of two men have issued a heartfelt tribute to their loved one. He has been named as 36-year-old Arian Abbasi, a pilot from Harrow in Greater London. 

In a heartfelt statement, the family said Arian was “a deeply loving father and a devoted husband.  

“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 23 February; a dream he had worked toward with immense pride and determination." 

As investigations continue, officers are searching for part of the parachute system which contains propellant and has not yet been located. 

The nature of the terrain, and the wide area over which it may have travelled, has made finding the device very difficult. 

The device measures approximately 10 cm in diameter and 30 cm long and has a red anodised finish. It weighs less than 2 kg. It may have a silver metal collar attached at one end.  

Please do not handle the device if you see it. If discovered, contact the police immediately via 101 or our Live Chat at gmp.police.uk, quoting log 1056 of 03/02/26.