Three people have died and one remains in hospital in a serious condition after a helicopter crashed on the Isle of Wight on Bank Holiday Monday. The aircraft, a Robinson R44 II operated by Northumbria Helicopters, came down near Shanklin Road shortly after 9am.
Four people were on board for a flying lesson when the helicopter crashed in a field. Emergency services, including Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, Coastguard Rescue 175, and Hampshire Police, responded to the scene. Shanklin Road has been closed.
Joe Robertson, Conservative MP for Isle of Wight East, described the incident as “heartbreaking.” He said, “What should have been a fun morning out on a helicopter flight on Bank Holiday Monday has turned to tragedy.”
A spokesman for Northumbria Helicopters confirmed the flight departed Sandown Airport at approximately 9am and was undertaking a flying lesson. The company said it is cooperating fully with the investigation.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary confirmed three deaths and one person in hospital in a serious condition. A major incident was declared but has since been stood down. The Air Accident Investigation Branch is involved.
