Small Plane Crashes Near Hollingworth Lake In Manchester

Emergency services scrambled into action on February 3, 2026, after a small aircraft crashed near the picturesque Hollingworth Lake in Littleborough, Greater Manchester. The tranquil rural setting, popular with walkers and nature lovers, was suddenly transformed as police, paramedics, and fire crews converged on the scene in response to reports that a plane had come down between Blastone Edge and Hollingworth Lake.

According to GB News, two people were believed to have been onboard the aircraft at the time of the crash. Greater Manchester Police quickly moved to assess any casualties, with officers working alongside paramedics and fire crews. The force issued a statement urging people to avoid the area, explaining that a police cordon was in place while emergency service workers conducted their enquiries. "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," a GMP spokesperson told the press.

As the situation unfolded, more details began to emerge about the plane’s journey and the dramatic moments leading up to the crash. According to Flight Radar, the aircraft involved was a Cirrus SR 20—a small propeller-driven plane known for its advanced safety features, including an onboard parachute system. The plane had taken off from Birmingham earlier that morning, but for reasons still under investigation, it began to lose altitude as it approached Littleborough.

Eyewitness accounts painted a vivid picture of the aftermath. Stephanie Mills, who works at Dickey Steps Riding School, recounted the scene to BBC Radio Manchester. She said, “There wasn’t any noise, I didn’t hear anything but there is a huge yellow parachute. There is a lot of police and helicopters here too.” Mills described seeing a large yellow parachute attached to a pylon near the crash site, an observation echoed by images circulating on social media that showed the parachute tangled around the base of an electricity pylon. The presence of the parachute suggested that at least one occupant may have deployed the aircraft’s emergency parachute system during the descent.

Initial reports indicated that one of the two people onboard was understood to have evacuated using a parachute, though the condition of both individuals remained unclear as emergency services worked to assess any casualties. The Cirrus SR 20’s parachute system, designed to bring the entire aircraft safely to the ground in the event of an emergency, has been credited with saving lives in previous incidents. However, the effectiveness of such a system depends on altitude, speed, and the circumstances of deployment.

As the emergency response continued, the Air Accident Investigations Branch (AAIB) announced it was launching a formal investigation into the crash. The AAIB stated, “An accident involving a light aircraft which occurred today near Rochdale, Greater Manchester has been notified to the AAIB. An investigation has been launched and a multidisciplinary team of inspectors are on their way to the accident site.” Their arrival signaled the beginning of a comprehensive effort to uncover the full facts behind the incident.

Chief Superintendent Danny Inglis, District Commander for GMP’s Rochdale district, emphasized the seriousness of the response and the need for public cooperation. “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.”

The crash site itself quickly became a hive of activity. Alongside the police, paramedics, and fire crews, several incident response units and helicopters were dispatched to the area. National Grid staff were also present, supporting emergency services as they dealt with the aftermath—especially given the parachute’s entanglement with an electricity pylon, which could pose further hazards.

For local residents and visitors, the sudden influx of emergency vehicles and the sight of the parachute draped over the pylon was both shocking and surreal. Hollingworth Lake, typically a spot for peaceful recreation, was transformed into the focal point of a major emergency operation. Police maintained a strict cordon, and the usually busy paths around the lake were eerily quiet as authorities worked to secure the area and gather evidence.

The Cirrus SR 20, the model reportedly involved, is a popular single-engine light aircraft often used for training and personal travel. Its inclusion of the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS) is a distinctive safety feature, intended to give pilots and passengers a last-resort option in the event of catastrophic failure or loss of control. While the deployment of such a system is rare, it has been credited with saving lives in challenging circumstances. The events in Littleborough are likely to prompt further discussion about the role of such technology in general aviation safety.

As news of the crash spread, speculation mounted about what might have caused the aircraft to lose altitude and come down so suddenly. The fact that the plane had departed from Birmingham and was traveling over the rural landscape of Greater Manchester added to the mystery. Investigators from the AAIB will be tasked with examining flight data, interviewing witnesses, and inspecting the wreckage to determine the chain of events that led to the accident.

For now, the focus remains on supporting any victims and ensuring the safety of the public. The coordinated response from multiple emergency services highlights the seriousness with which such incidents are treated in the UK. The involvement of the National Grid also underscores the potential secondary risks posed by aircraft accidents, especially when infrastructure like electricity pylons is involved.

As of Tuesday evening, police had not released further details about the condition of those onboard, and the area remained cordoned off as the investigation continued. Greater Manchester Police reiterated their request for anyone with information or who may have witnessed the crash to come forward, emphasizing the importance of community assistance in piecing together what happened.

While the tranquility of Hollingworth Lake was shattered by today’s events, the swift and robust response from emergency services, the deployment of advanced safety technology, and the ongoing investigation all reflect a community and a system prepared to respond to crisis. The coming days will no doubt bring more clarity, but for now, Littleborough and the wider Greater Manchester area are left waiting for answers, hoping for the best for those involved.