London, United Kingdom: A tragic helicopter crash occurred on the Isle of Wight on Monday morning, resulting in the deaths of three individuals and leaving a fourth in serious condition. The incident took place during a flying lesson, involving a Robinson R44 II helicopter operated by Northumbria Helicopters.
At approximately 9:24 AM local time, emergency services were alerted to a helicopter crash near the A3020 Shanklin Road, close to Ventnor. The aircraft, identified as G-OCLV, had departed from Sandown Airport earlier that morning. According to Northumbria Helicopters, the flight was conducting a routine flying lesson at the time of the crash.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing the helicopter spiraling out of control before it descended rapidly and crashed into a field. One witness, Leigh Goldsmith, described observing the aircraft “spiraling” before it disappeared from view and came down in a hedge.
Upon arrival, emergency responders confirmed that three individuals had died at the scene. A fourth person, whose identity has not been disclosed, was airlifted to University Hospital Southampton in a serious condition .
The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, along with local fire and police units, swiftly secured the area and initiated medical procedures. Authorities have since closed off surrounding roads to facilitate the investigation and ensure public safety.
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has launched a formal inquiry into the circumstances leading to the crash. A team of inspectors has been dispatched to the site to collect evidence and conduct interviews . In a statement, the AAIB emphasized its commitment to determining the cause of the incident and providing recommendations to prevent future occurrences.
Local Member of Parliament Joe Robertson spoke to BBC Radio 5 Live and expressed his condolences to the families affected by the tragedy. In a statement, he described the community as being in “shock” and urged residents to avoid the area to allow emergency services to carry out their work .
