On the Isle of Wight, a helicopter crashed during a flying lesson, killing three people. At around 9:20 a.m. on Monday, the four-person helicopter crashed into a field close to Shanklin.
One of the passengers was taken to the hospital and is still in critical condition. The crash claimed the lives of three people, according to Hampshire and Isle of Wight police.
The force issued the following statement: “At this time, we are unable to provide further information about the people involved, as efforts continue to contact and support their families.
“We will not be commenting on the circumstances of the incident but continue to work alongside the Air Accident Investigation Branch.”
The AAIB said it had launched an investigation into the incident, adding: “A team of inspectors has been sent to the accident site to gather evidence and make inquiries.”
Four people were on board aircraft G-OCLV when it crashed, according to confirmation from the aircraft’s operator, Northumbria Helicopters.
It said: “The flight, which departed from Sandown airport at approximately 9 am, was carrying four passengers on board, including the pilot, and was undertaking a flying lesson.
“Northumbria Helicopters is giving its full cooperation to the authorities investigating this incident.”
A spokesperson for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Sir Ambulance said: “We have treated and airlifted one patient to the Major Trauma Centre, University Hospital Southampton. Our thoughts are with them, and everyone involved in today’s incident.”
One witness, Leigh Goldsmith, said she saw the helicopter “spiralling”.
She told the Isle of Wight County Press that the helicopter vanished and crashed in a hedge as she was heading towards Shanklin. She then claimed to have visited the crash site and observed what seemed to be airbags deployed beneath the chopper.
Joe Robertson, the Isle of Wight East MP, advised people to stay away from the area in an interview with BBC Radio 5 Live.
“Where the helicopter came down is fairly rural,” he said. “It’s surrounded by fields and a road that runs from Shanklin and Sandown, which are on the east, quite well-known for their beaches, through to Ventor in the south, which is part of the rocky part of the South of the island.
“It is not in a very populated area, albeit it seems to be fairly close to a road that runs between two towns.”
“My heart goes out to the families of those who lost their lives in the helicopter crash outside Shanklin today. It is very sad and tragic news during what should have been a happy bank holiday helicopter flight from Sandown Airport,” he said.