A helicopter has crashed in a field on the Isle of Wight, triggering a substantial response from emergency services. The incident occurred near the A3020 Shanklin Road at approximately 9.24am on Monday, according to police.
One person has been airlifted to hospital in Southampton following the crash, the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance confirmed. The helicopter, operated by Northumbria Helicopters, was being used for a flying lesson and had four people on board, including the pilot.
A spokesperson for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said: "We were called at 9.24am to a report that a helicopter had come down in a field near the A3020 Shanklin Road. The road is closed due to the number of emergency services vehicles at the scene, so please avoid the area at this time."
Witness Leigh Goldsmith told the Isle of Wight County Press that she saw the helicopter "spiralling" out of control while driving towards Shanklin. It then disappeared from sight and landed in a hedge. Ms Goldsmith, who was first on the scene, said she saw four people on board and believed the airbags had been activated.
The air ambulance deployed its critical care team, including a doctor and specialist paramedic, at 09.28. Firefighters from Newport, Ventnor and Shanklin also attended. The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has been notified and is deploying a team to begin an investigation.
