An island community wakes up still in shock this morning after a helicopter crashed yesterday, killing three people.
The aircraft was carrying four people including the pilot when it crashed in a field near Ventnor, the operator Northumbria Helicopters said.
Emergency services rushed to the scene after they were alerted at 9.24am that a helicopter had come down in a field near the A3020 Shanklin Road.
A spokesperson for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said three people had died in the crash while one person remains in hospital in a serious condition.
Isle of Wight West MP Richard Quigley reacted with his shock to the “awful news”.
He said: “My thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the families and friends of those involved. And my thanks to each and every one of the island’s emergency services who attended the incident.”
Key Points
- Town council praises pilot for ‘bringing helicopter down’ away from crowded areas
- Three killed in helicopter crash on Isle of Wight
- Emergency services rushed to the scene within four minutes
- Initial witness report suggests four people were on board
Where crash took place
11:00 , Alex RossHelicopter was 'spiralling' before crash
10:00 , Alex RossWe’ve heard from few witnesses to the crash, that took place near the A3020 Shanklin Road on the Isle of Wight on Monday morning.
Leigh Goldsmith told the Isle of Wight County Press she was driving towards Shanklin when she saw the helicopter “spiralling” before it went out of sight and came down in a hedge.
An Air Accident Investigation Branch team is now investigating what happened.
Reminder of what happened yesterday
09:00 , Alex Ross- A helicopter crashed in a field near Ventnor just before 9.30am
- Four people including the pilot were on board for flying lessons
- The aircraft is listed as a Robinson R44 II helicopter
- One person was airlifted to a major trauma centre in a Southampton hospital
- Three people have died and a fourth remains in hospital in a serious condition after a helicopter crash during a flying lesson on the Isle of Wight.
- A multi-agency emergency response was deployed but it is no longer being treated as a major incident
- The Air Accident Investigation Branch is investigating the crash
Recap: Northumbria Helicopters confirms its aircraft was involved
08:00 , Namita SinghA spokesperson for Northumbria Helicopters confirmed that its aircraft G-OCLV, which is listed as a Robinson R44 II helicopter, was involved in Monday’s crash on the Isle of Wight.
"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,” the spokesperson said.
Shanklin Town Council praises pilot for ‘bringing helicopter down’ away from crowded areas
07:35 , Namita SinghShanklin Town Council praised the pilot for "bringing the helicopter down" away from densely populated areas on the Isle of Wight, adding that there were many events organised on the island over the bank holiday weekend.
In a statement, Shanklin Town Council said it was "shocked to hear about the incident involving a pleasure flight helicopter crash landing on the outskirts of the town".
MP asks people to avoid site of crash
07:00 , Namita SinghThe MP for Isle of Wight East has asked people to avoid visiting the site of crash
.“Where the helicopter came down is fairly rural,” Joe Robertson told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“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 Ventnor in the south, which is part of the rocky part of 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.”
Northumbria Helicopters confirms its aircraft involved in crash
06:30 , Namita SinghA spokesperson for Northumbria Helicopters said that its aircraft G-OCLV – which is listed as a Robinson R44 II helicopter – was involved in the accident during a flying lesson.
The firm based at Newcastle International Airport said in a statement: “Northumbria Helicopters confirms aircraft G-OCLV was involved in an accident in the Shanklin area on the Isle of Wight.
“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.
“Northumbria Helicopters is giving its full co-operation to the authorities investigating this incident.”
Witness describes seeing helicopter ‘spiralling’
06:00 , Namita SinghAn eye-witness described seeing the helicopter “spiralling” before it crashed on the Isle of Wight during a flying lesson on Monday.
Leigh Goldsmith said that she was driving towards Shanklin when the helicopter disappeared and crashed into a hedge.
She told Isle of Wight County Press that when she went to the site of crash, she saw airbags activated under the helicopter.
Sole survivor flown to Southampton
05:30 , Namita SinghThe seriously injured survivor from Monday's crash was airlifted to the trauma centre at University Hospital Southampton.
“We have treated and airlifted one patient to the Major Trauma Centre, University Hospital Southampton,” said a spokesperson for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance.
“Our thoughts are with them, and everyone involved in today’s incident.”
AAIB launches investigation
05:00 , Namita SinghThe Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) has launched an investigation into Monday’s crash.
“A team of inspectors has been sent to the accident site to gather evidence and make inquiries,” it said as Hampshire and Isle of Wight police said they would work alongside the AAIB to support the investigation.
Three killed in helicopter crash on Isle of Wight
04:24 , Namita SinghA helicopter crashed on Monday during a flight lesson on the Isle of Wight, off the south coast of England, killing three people and leaving one person seriously injured, authorities said.
The Robinson R44 II helicopter had a pilot and three passengers on board when it crashed just before 9.30am. The operator, Northumbria Helicopters, said its aircraft was involved in a crash during a flight lesson.
Confirming the killing of three people, Isle of Wight police said: “At this time we are unable to provide further information about the people involved, as efforts continue to contact and support their families.”
Where did the helicopter crash?
03:30 , Katie HawkinsonA helicopter crashed on Monday in a field on the Isle of Wight. Three people died, and one person has been airlifted to a nearby hospital with serious injuries, authorities said.
The helicopter crashed near a busy road, according to Darren Toogood, editor and publisher at the Island Echo.
"It's a bank holiday weekend in August on the Isle of Wight,” he told Sky News. “It's an incredibly busy area. Lots of tourists down at the moment. It appears no vehicles were involved, which is incredible, given how busy this road would have been this morning."
Local MP says community is in shock
03:00 , Katie HawkinsonJoe Robertson, the MP for Isle of Wight East, said the local community is in shock following Monday’s deadly helicopter crash.
“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,” he said.
He warned people to stay away from the area as authorities investigate the incident.
Local park manager says authorities closed off roads in wake of crash
02:30 , Katie HawkinsonA manager of a holiday park near the crash scene told the BBC that authorities “closed off all the roads” in the wake of the helicopter crash.
Fleur Sanders, manager of the Appuldurcombe Gardens Holiday Park in Wroxall, Ventnor, described the day as “chaotic”.
She told the BBC it’s the height of the park’s busy summer season, and there are “guests that can't get access...there's a long diversion, tourists and motor homes are trying to come in”.
Who is investigating the crash?
02:00 , Katie HawkinsonThe Air Accidents Investigation Branch is now looking into the helicopter crash on the Isle of Wight.
“A team of inspectors has been sent to the accident site to gather evidence and make enquiries,” the agency said.
Recap: Northumbria Helicopters confirms its aircraft was involved
01:30 , Katie HawkinsonA spokesperson for Northumbria Helicopters confirmed that its aircraft G-OCLV, which is listed as a Robinson R44 II helicopter, was involved in Monday’s crash on the Isle of Wight.
"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,” the spokesperson said.
What is the status of the injured individual?
01:00 , Katie HawkinsonThe helicopter crash on the Isle of Wight killed three people and injured one person.
That injured individual has since been airlifted to a major trauma centre in a Southampton hospital.
Officials said the injured individual was in serious condition as of Monday morning.
Witness described helicopter as 'spiralling'
Tuesday 26 August 2025 00:30 , Katie HawkinsonWitness Leigh Goldsmith told the Isle of Wight County Press she was driving towards Shanklin when she saw the helicopter “spiralling” before it went out of sight and came down in a hedge.
Three people were killed in the crash, while a fourth was airlifted to a nearby hospital in serious condition.
Helicopter crashed about 20 minutes after taking off
Tuesday 26 August 2025 00:00 , Katie HawkinsonThe helicopter that crashed on the Isle of Wight departed from Sandown Airport around 9am.
Police received a call about a downed helicopter just over 20 minutes later, at 9.24am.
Three people died in the crash, and one person has been airlifted to a hospital in serious condition.
Watch: Four people on aircraft that crashed were in flying lesson, says operator
Monday 25 August 2025 23:30 , Katie HawkinsonRecap: What we know so far about the crash
Monday 25 August 2025 23:00 , Katie HawkinsonA helicopter crashed on the Isle of Wight on Monday morning.
The helicopter departed from Sandown Airport around 9am, a spokesperson for Northumbria Helicopters said. Police received a call about the crash at 9.24am.
There were four people on board, including the pilot, the company said.
Three people were killed, while a fourth person was airlifted to a hospital in serious condition. Their identities have not been released.
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch is now looking into the incident.
Joe Robertson, the MP for Isle of Wight East, said the local community is in shock following the crash.
"It is very sad and tragic news during what should have been a happy Bank Holiday helicopter flight from Sandown Airport,” he said. “The whole community is in shock.”
'My heart goes out to the families'
Monday 25 August 2025 22:28 , Katie HawkinsonJoe Robertson, the MP for Isle of Wight East, said the local community was in shock.
"My heart goes out to the families of those who lost their lives in the helicopter crash outside Shanklin today," he said in a statement. "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."
'A tragedy'
Monday 25 August 2025 22:11 , Katie HawkinsonJoe Robertson, Conservative MP for Isle of Wight East, told Times Radio the crash was "heartbreaking", saying what should have been a fun morning out turned to "tragedy".
Crash happened on 'significantly busy, high-speed road'
Monday 25 August 2025 21:57 , Katie HawkinsonDarren Toogood, editor and publisher at the Island Echo, told Sky News that the helicopter crashed on a "significantly busy, high-speed road" between the village of Godshill and the seaside town of Shanklin.
"It was on one of the first flights of the day," he said.
"It's a bank holiday weekend in August on the Isle of Wight. It's an incredibly busy area. Lots of tourists down at the moment. It appears no vehicles were involved, which is incredible, given how busy this road would have been this morning."
Recap: Local council issues statement on helicopter crash
Monday 25 August 2025 21:30 , Katie HawkinsonThe Shanklin Town Council released a statement on Monday’s deadly helicopter crash on the Isle of Wight.
The council said it was “shocked” to hear about the incident.
“This bank holiday, as well as hosting the scooter rally on the island, has many organised events that run from Sandown airport. One of those is the regular flights that give visitors the ability to view the coastline from the air.
“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. Our thoughts and prays are with the individuals involved as well as their immediate families, not forgetting the quick action and professionalism of our emergency services.”
Recap: What do we know about the victims?
Monday 25 August 2025 21:10 , Katie HawkinsonA helicopter crashed in a field on the Isle of Wight, killing multiple people on board.
Four people, including the pilot, were on board the helicopter for flying lessons on Monday. Three people were killed in the crash, while the fourth person was airlifted to a nearby hospital with serious injuries.
Authorities have yet to release their identities.
Helicopter crashed near 'high-speed road'
Monday 25 August 2025 20:50 , Katie HawkinsonDarren Toogood, editor and publisher of the local outlet Island Echo, told Sky News the helicopter crashed in a field near a “significantly busy, high-speed road”.
"It was on one of the first flights of the day," he said.
Mr Toogood said it’s an “incredibly busy area”.
“Lots of tourists down at the moment. It appears no vehicles were involved, which is incredible, given how busy this road would have been this morning,” he added.
Holiday park manager describes 'chaotic' scene near crash
Monday 25 August 2025 20:30 , Katie HawkinsonA manager of a holiday park near the crash scene told the BBC the day has been “chaotic” following the crash.
"They've closed off all the roads at the moment,” said Fleur Sanders, manager of the Appuldurcombe Gardens Holiday Park in Wroxall, Ventnor.
She told the BBC it’s the height of the park’s busy summer season, and there are “guests that can't get access...there's a long diversion, tourists and motor homes are trying to come in”.
Full story: Three killed as helicopter crashes during flying lesson on Isle of Wight
Monday 25 August 2025 20:10 , Katie HawkinsonA helicopter crashed into a field on the Isle of Wight on Monday, killing three people and seriously injuring a fourth.
Steffie Banatvala and Bryony Gooch have the full story:
Three killed as helicopter crashes during flying lesson on Isle of Wight
MP for Isle of Wight East warns residents to avoid the area
Monday 25 August 2025 19:50 , Katie HawkinsonJoe Robertson, MP for Isle of Wight East, has instructed people to avoid the area.
“Where the helicopter came down is fairly rural,” he told BBC Radio 5 Live. “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 Ventnor in the south, which is part of the rocky part of 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.”
MP Joe Robertson comments on 'heartbreaking' incident
Monday 25 August 2025 19:30 , Bryony GoochJoe Robertson, Conservative MP for Isle of Wight East, has spoken out following the death of three in a helicopter crash on the Isle of Wight.
He told Times Radio the incident was “heartbreaking”, saying what should have been a fun morning out turned to “tragedy”.
Robinson R44 in pictures
Monday 25 August 2025 19:15 , Steffie BanatvalaEarlier, we brought you news that aircraft G-OCLV is listed as a Robinson R44 II helicopter.
Here you can see an example of Robinson R44 model helicopter:
Watch: Four people on aircraft that crashed were in flying lesson, says operator
Monday 25 August 2025 19:00 , Bryony GoochWitness said helicopter 'spiralled' before it came down in a hedge
Monday 25 August 2025 18:45 , Bryony GoochWitness Leigh Goldsmith told the Isle of Wight County Press she was driving towards Shanklin when she saw the helicopter “spiralling” before it went out of sight and came down in a hedge.
A spokesman for Northumbria Helicopters said that its aircraft G-OCLV – which is listed as a Robinson R44 II helicopter – was involved in the accident during a flying lesson.
The firm 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.”
AAIB 'gathering evidence' for investigation
Monday 25 August 2025 18:15 , Steffie BanatvalaEarlier, we brought you news that the Air Accidents Investigation Branch deployed a team to the Isle of Wight.
They have confirmed an investigation is underway.
“A team of inspectors has been sent to the accident site to gather evidence and make enquiries.”
One person remains in hospital in serious condition after helicopter crash
Monday 25 August 2025 17:45 , Bryony GoochOne person remains in hospital in serious condition after a helicopter crash on the Isle of Wight, Hampshire Police have said.
The helicopter carried four people and three others have died in the incident.
Three killed in helicopter crash on Isle of Wight
Monday 25 August 2025 17:17 , Bryony GoochThree people have died and a fourth remains in hospital in a serious condition following a helicopter crash during a flying lesson on the Isle of Wight, according to Hampshire Police.
MP says day of fun ended in tragedy
Monday 25 August 2025 17:15 , Steffie BanatvalaIsle of Wight East MP Joe Robertson told the BBC the crash was a "tragedy".
Mr Robertson added that the community is in shock after what should have been a fun outing turned into a tragic day.
He praised the work of the emergency services in a rural and challenging location.
What aircraft was involved in the crash?
Monday 25 August 2025 16:45 , Steffie BanatvalaAircraft G-OCLV is listed as a Robinson R44 II helicopter.
The operator Northumbria Helicopters describes Robinson R44s on their site as a “four seat dual control helicopter”
“With a 6 cylinder, horizontally opposed, direct drive Avco Lycoming 540 cubic inch (8.8 Litre) naturally aspirated, air cooled engine. 33 foot main rotor diameter. Maximum all up mass of 2400 lbs.”
