Helicopter ‘falls from sky’ and crash lands near UK town as fire crews rush to scene

Fire crews scrambled to reach a field off Beaumont Road in Bolton, Greater Manchester, before 2pm today.

The police confirmed the aircraft was a gyrocopter, a type of aircraft that uses an unpowered rotor to provide lift, while an engine attached to a propeller at the back moves the craft forward.

A Greater Manchester Police (GMP) spokesperson said: “At around 1.25pm today (Thursday 13 November 2025), we were called to reports of a gyrocopter crash on Kilworth Drive in Lostock, Bolton.

“Officers attended the scene and located the pilot – a man in his 60s. Thankfully, no injuries have been reported.

“It is believed it was a forced landing, as opposed to a crash. Air accident investigators are currently investigating the incident.”

Despite a swarm of emergency services arriving at the scene, the pilot is believed to have escaped the wreckage unscathed.

Eyewitnesses reported on social media seeing the aircraft “spinning out”.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “At 1.40pm on Thursday (November 13) four fire engines from Bolton Central, Eccles and Atherton fire stations plus the technical rescue unit from Leigh fire station were called to reports of a helicopter making an emergency landing in a field off Kilworth Drive, Lostock.

“Firefighters made the aircraft and surrounding area safe alongside partners and were in attendance for around 45 minutes.”