A police helicopter was forced to make an emergency landing in a field near Doncaster following suspected mechanical failure, sparking a major emergency response.
The incident occurred near the Bentley area on Tuesday afternoon, with the aircraft coming down in open countryside. Emergency services including police, fire crews and ambulance teams rushed to the scene following reports of the troubled landing.
Emergency Response Mobilised
Witnesses reported seeing the police helicopter descending rapidly into a field near the M18 motorway. Local residents described hearing unusual sounds from the aircraft before it disappeared from view.
South Yorkshire Police confirmed their aircraft was involved in the incident and that an investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause of the emergency landing.
No Serious Injuries Reported
Remarkably, early reports indicate that no serious injuries were sustained by the crew members on board. The pilot and other personnel were able to exit the aircraft safely following the landing.
"We can confirm that a police helicopter has made a precautionary landing in a field near Bentley," a police spokesperson stated. "Emergency services are at the scene and an investigation will be conducted into the circumstances."
Air Safety Investigation Underway
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has been notified and is expected to examine the aircraft to determine what caused the mechanical issues that led to the emergency landing.
Local road closures were temporarily put in place around the landing site as emergency services secured the area and began their initial assessment of the situation.
The incident highlights the inherent risks of police aviation operations and the importance of emergency procedures when technical failures occur during flight.
