Three people were killed and a fourth left fighting for their life in hospital after a helicopter crashed in a field in the Isle of Wight during a flying experience.
Police were called at 9.24am to a site near Shanklin after the aircraft, which was operated by Northumbria Helicopters, was seen “spiralling” into a hedge. Four ambulances, an air ambulance, fire crews and the coastguard were sent to the scene.
Tracking data shows the Robinson R44 II helicopter’s transponder stopped pinging at 9.20am.
Emergency services at the site of the crash near Shanklin
DARREN TOOGOOD/SOLENT
Civil Aviation Authority records state the aircraft is owned by Adventure 001 Ltd but operated by Northumbria Helicopters. The helicopter was built in 2004 and had recorded 2,198 hours as of February this year, and was bought by Adventure 001 in October 2021.
Northumbria Helicopters said that its aircraft was involved in the accident during a flying lesson. A statement said: “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.”
A flyer posted online last week advertised flights over the Isle of Wight between Thursday and Bank Holiday Monday.
It said: “Experience the breathtaking views of white sandy beaches, magnificent blue waters, rolling hills and amazing countryside. You will experience the island’s treasures and iconic landmarks dependent on which flight length.”
It offered flights on the helicopter involved in the incident and another model of aircraft. “Extend your dreams, make memories, come fly with us,” it said.
The helicopter involved in the crash has been pictured in advertisements on Adventure 001’s website for tactical flying lessons and 20 to 60-minute lessons, which can count as “the first step towards your private pilot’s licence”.
Leigh Goldsmith, who witnessed the crash, told the County Press she saw the helicopter come down as she drove her mother towards Shanklin.
She said she reached the site at about 9.20am and found airbags deployed under the cabin, where four people, two in the front and two in the back, were seated. She phoned the emergency services, which arrived shortly afterwards.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight constabulary said three people died and a fourth is in hospital in a “serious condition”.
A police spokesman 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.
“A major incident was called at 9.47am to support the co-ordination of the emergency response, but this has since been stood down.”
One man was taken to hospital by air ambulance, which was seen leaving the site at about 11.50am. The AAIB said it had dispatched a team to investigate the accident.
Joe Robertson, the MP for Isle of Wight East, said the accident was “heartbreaking”, adding: “What should have been a fun morning out on a helicopter flight on Bank Holiday Monday has turned to tragedy, with the death of three people and a fourth of course is seriously ill. It’s heartbreaking and I know the local community here on the island are in shock, frankly.
“I’d like to reiterate my thanks to the emergency services who were on the scene very quickly and have done an amazing job, but sadly have been unable to ensure the survival of those people who went in the helicopter.”
A Shanklin council spokesperson said helicopters were regularly flown along the coastline for tourists.
“This is a tragic accident and the pilot deserves huge credit for bringing down the helicopter in a field, away from any built-up areas,” the spokesperson added.