A tragic helicopter crash during a flight lesson on Monday (August 25) resulted in the deaths of three people and left one person seriously injured on the Isle of Wight, off the south coast of England. The incident involved a Robinson R44 II helicopter operated by Northumbria Helicopters, which took off from Sandown Airport around 9 a.m. local time with a pilot and three passengers on board.
Approximately 24 minutes into the flight, the helicopter crashed in a field near the Shanklin area. The seriously injured survivor was airlifted to the trauma center at University Hospital Southampton.
The UK’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has launched an investigation into the crash, with inspectors sent to the scene to gather evidence and determine the cause. The area has been cordoned off, and emergency responders, including the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, were deployed to the site.
Isle of Wight East MP Joe Robertson described the crash as a tragedy, expressing his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary confirmed the fatalities and stated that they are working to contact and support the families of those involved.
The A3020 Shanklin Road remains closed due to the presence of emergency services vehicles. Northumbria Helicopters is cooperating with the investigation, and further details about the crash are expected as the inquiry progresses.