The family of a pilot who tragically lost his life in a light aircraft crash have paid a moving tribute to his "passion for flying" and revealed he was on the cusp of realising his lifelong dream of flying for a commercial airline.
A Dream Unfulfilled
Arian Abbasi, a 36-year-old from Harrow in Greater London, died alongside another man when a Cirrus light aircraft crashed on farmland in Littleborough, Rochdale. The incident occurred shortly after 11am on Tuesday, as confirmed by Greater Manchester Police.
In an emotional statement released on Friday, Mr Abbasi's family described him as "a deeply loving father and a devoted husband" who lived his life for his family and friends, offering them constant love, strength, and unwavering support.
A Career on the Horizon
The tribute poignantly noted that flying was his profound passion. He was scheduled to begin an exciting new chapter with a commercial airline on February 23, a dream towards which he had worked with immense pride and determination for years.
"This was the culmination of his efforts, a goal he was so close to achieving," the family's statement conveyed, highlighting the tragic timing of the accident.
Investigation and Search Ongoing
The private aircraft had departed from Birmingham Airport's XLR Executive Jet Centre at approximately 10am on Tuesday. Following the crash, images circulated on social media appeared to show a yellow parachute, part of the aircraft's safety system, entangled on a pylon near the site.
Police investigations remain active, with officers particularly focused on locating a specific component of the aircraft's parachute system. A police spokesman explained that the search is challenging due to the nature of the terrain and the potential wide dispersal area.
Description of Missing Component
The missing device is described as follows:
- Approximately 10cm in diameter and 30cm in length.
- Features a red anodised finish.
- Weighs under 2kg.
- May have a silver metal collar attached at one end.
The spokesman emphasised: "The nature of the terrain, and the wide area over which it may have travelled, has made finding the device very difficult."
Public Appeal for Information
Authorities have issued a clear public appeal regarding the missing component. If anyone discovers the device, they are urged:
- Do not touch the device.
- Contact the police immediately on 101.
- Alternatively, use the live chat function at the official police website.
- Reference log number 1056 of 03/02/26 when reporting.
The community and aviation authorities await further developments as the investigation into this tragic incident continues, while a family mourns the loss of a man described as full of love and ambition.
