Three people have died following this morning’s helicopter crash on the Isle of Wight, with the sole survivor in hospital fighting for their life.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary confirmed the devastating toll from the training flight that crashed near Shanklin after witnesses saw the aircraft “spiralling” out of control.
“We can confirm that three people have died following a helicopter crash on the Isle of Wight this morning,” police said in a statement. “Four people in total were on board, with one person currently in hospital in a serious condition.”
The Robinson R44 helicopter, operated by Northumbria Helicopters, came down in a field near the A3020 Shanklin Road at approximately 9.24am during what the company confirmed was a flying lesson.
Families Being Contacted
Police said they were unable to provide further information about the victims as efforts continue to contact and support their families. The force confirmed they would not be commenting on the circumstances of the incident but were working alongside the Air Accident Investigation Branch.
The helicopter, registration G-OCLV, had departed from Sandown Airport at around 9am with four people aboard, including the pilot, according to Northumbria Helicopters.
Witness Saw Aircraft ‘Spiralling’
Eyewitness Leigh Goldsmith, who was first on the scene, told the Isle of Wight County Press she watched the helicopter spiralling before it disappeared from view and crashed into a hedge.
“I was the first on the scene and saw there were four people on board,” Goldsmith said, adding that she believed the aircraft’s airbags had been activated. She confirmed seeing two people in the front seats and two in the rear of the aircraft.
Major Emergency Response
The crash prompted an extensive emergency response, with multiple agencies rushing to the rural location near Ventnor. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service deployed crews from Newport, Ventnor, and Shanklin stations.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance confirmed they airlifted one patient to University Hospital Southampton’s major trauma centre, where they remain in a serious condition.
Investigation Launched
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) will lead the investigation into what caused the training flight to end in tragedy on Bank Holiday Monday. The helicopter’s “spiralling” motion described by witnesses will be a key focus of investigators.
Northumbria Helicopters said in a statement: “Northumbria Helicopters is giving its full cooperation to the authorities investigating this incident. Northumbria Helicopters will release further information in due course.”
The A3020 Shanklin Road remains closed between Whiteley Bank and Apse Manor Road as investigators examine the crash site. Police have urged motorists to avoid the area.
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