Three people die and one person seriously injured after a helicopter crashes in a field on the Isle of Wight during a flying lesson
Three people have died and one person has been seriously injured in a helicopter crash on the Isle of Wight, police have confirmed.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary (HIWC) said four people were on board the helicopter when it crashed near Shanklin this morning during a flying lesson, with one person airlifted to hospital.
Emergency services were called to the site near the A3020 Shanklin Road following the incident near the A3020 Shanklin Road at 9.24am today (Monday, August 25) with roads in the area closed as a result.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said in a statement: “We can confirm that three people have died following a helicopter crash on the Isle of Wight this morning.
“Four people in total were on board, with one person currently in hospital in a serious condition.
“At this time we are unable to provide further information about the people involved, as efforts continue to contact and support their families.”
Police added that there has been a multi-agency response to the scene, including colleagues from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, and the Air Accident Investigation Branch.
A spokesman for Northumbria Helicopters said that its aircraft G-OCLV – which is listed as a Robinson R44 II helicopter – was involved in the accident during a flying lesson.
The firm based at Newcastle International Airport said in a statement: “Northumbria Helicopters confirms aircraft G-OCLV was involved in an accident in the Shanklin area on the Isle of Wight.
“The flight, which departed from Sandown Airport at approximately 9am was carrying four passengers on board including the pilot, and was undertaking a flying lesson.
“Northumbria Helicopters is giving its full co-operation to the authorities investigating this incident.”
A spokesman for the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) said: “The AAIB was notified of an accident involving a light helicopter on the Isle of Wight this morning. We are deploying a team to commence an investigation.”
A spokeswoman for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance confirmed that one person had been airlifted to hospital.
She said: “We have treated and airlifted one patient to the major trauma centre, University Hospital Southampton. Our thoughts are with them, and everyone involved in today’s incident.”
A Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman added that the scene was attended by firefighters from Newport, Ventnor and Shanklin.
Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones also added het sympathies to those involved.
She said: “My deepest condolences go out to the families and loved ones of the three people who tragically lost their lives in the helicopter crash near Ventnor on the Isle of Wight this morning. My thoughts are also with the fourth individual who remains in hospital in a critical condition.
“This is a devastating incident that has deeply shocked the local community. The families affected are being supported during this incredibly difficult time.
“I want to thank all of our emergency services for their swift and dedicated response, including Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary, the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service, and hospital staff.
"The Air Accidents Investigation Branch has now launched a formal investigation into the crash, and we await further details as they work to understand what happened.
"This is a heart breaking day for the Isle of Wight, and my thoughts remain firmly with everyone affected."