Three people have died and a fourth remains in critical condition after a helicopter went down during a flying lesson on the Isle of Wight, located off England’s southern coast.
The crash occurred on Monday, Aug. 25, in a field near Shanklin at around 9:20 a.m. local time, according to BBC, The Guardian, The London Standard, and Sky News.
The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary confirmed the fatalities but did not release details about the victims or what may have caused the incident, per The Guardian.
The U.K. Air Accidents Investigation Branch said in a statement that inspectors have been deployed to the scene to collect evidence and begin inquiries.
The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance responded to the crash. “The Critical Care Team consisting of a doctor and a specialist paramedic treated and airlifted one patient to the Major Trauma Centre, University Hospital Southampton, at approximately 11:40,” the organization said. “Our thoughts are with them and everyone involved in today’s incident.”
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A witness told the Isle of Wight County Press that the helicopter was seen “spiralling” before it hit the ground.
According to the Island Echo, the aircraft was a Robinson R44 II operated by Northumbria Helicopters. It had departed from Sandown Airport and reached an altitude of about 800 feet before losing control.
The Associated Press reported that Northumbria Helicopters confirmed one of its aircraft was involved in the crash during a training flight and that it is cooperating with authorities.
Joe Robertson, a Member of Parliament for Isle of Wight East, expressed condolences on social media. “My heart goes out to the families of those who lost their lives in the helicopter crash outside Shanklin today,” he wrote. “It is very sad and tragic news during what should have been a happy bank holiday helicopter flight from Sandown Airport. The whole community is in shock. My sincere thanks to all the emergency services personnel who have been involved and to the investigators for their work ahead.”
