Three people have died and one is in a serious condition after a helicopter crashed on the Isle of Wight during a flying lesson. The incident occurred at around 9.20am on Monday in a field near Shanklin.
The aircraft, operated by Northumbria Helicopters, was carrying four people including the pilot. The flight had departed from Sandown airport at approximately 9am. One person was airlifted to University Hospital Southampton and remains in a serious condition.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police confirmed the fatalities, stating they are working to contact the families. The Air Accidents Investigation Branch has launched an inquiry, with a team of inspectors at the scene. Northumbria Helicopters said it is cooperating fully with the investigation.
A witness, Leigh Goldsmith, told the Isle of Wight County Press she saw the helicopter “spiralling” before it came down in a hedge. Joe Robertson, MP for Isle of Wight East, urged people to avoid the area, describing it as rural but close to a road between Shanklin and Sandown.
