All four people aboard a training helicopter that crashed on the Isle of Wight this morning have been confirmed as injured, with one patient airlifted to hospital with serious injuries.
The Robinson R44 helicopter, operated by Northumbria Helicopters, came down in a field near Shanklin at 9.24am after witnesses saw it “spiralling” out of control. The aircraft was conducting a flying lesson after departing Sandown Airport at around 9am.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance confirmed they airlifted one patient to University Hospital Southampton’s major trauma centre. The condition of the three other occupants, who also sustained injuries in the crash, has not been disclosed.
Helicopter Operator Confirms Training Flight
Northumbria Helicopters has confirmed its G-OCLV model aircraft was involved in the incident, with four people on board including the pilot.
“Northumbria Helicopters is giving its full cooperation to the authorities investigating this incident,” the company said in a statement, adding they would release further information “in due course.”
Witness Account
Eyewitness Leigh Goldsmith, who was first on the scene, told the Isle of Wight County Press she saw the helicopter “spiralling” before it crashed into a hedge. She confirmed seeing four people aboard the aircraft – two in front and two in the rear seats.
The A3020 Shanklin Road remains closed between Whiteley Bank and Apse Manor Road as emergency services continue their work at the scene. Police have urged motorists to avoid the area.
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch will lead the investigation into what caused the training flight to end in disaster on Bank Holiday Monday.
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