A helicopter crash on the Isle of Wight has left three people dead and one in critical condition, in what police described as a devastating aviation accident.
The incident occurred on Monday morning in the Shanklin area, when a G-OCLV model helicopter, operated by Northumbria Helicopters, went down during a flying lesson. Emergency services were alerted at 9:24 a.m. local time, with paramedics, fire brigades, and air ambulances immediately dispatched to the scene.
Police confirmed in a statement: &ldquo;We can confirm that three people have died following a helicopter crash on the Isle of Wight this morning. Four people in total were on board, with one person currently in hospital in a serious condition.&rdquo;
The injured passenger was airlifted to the Major Trauma Centre at University Hospital Southampton. Authorities have not released the identities of the victims, pending family notification.
The Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) has launched a full inquiry into the cause of the crash. Investigators will examine flight records, pilot training schedules, weather conditions, and the wreckage to establish what led to the tragedy. Police said they will not speculate on the circumstances until the investigation is complete but confirmed they are working closely with the AAIB.
The wreckage of the helicopter has badly mangled in a field, with debris scattered across the site. Emergency responders cordoned off the area and closed nearby roads to ensure public safety.
In its statement, Northumbria Helicopters expressed shock over the accident, confirming that the aircraft involved belonged to the company. The firm added that it is &ldquo;fully cooperating with the authorities to support the investigation.&rdquo;
The Isle of Wight rarely witnesses aviation disasters of this scale, and the accident has shaken the local community. Tributes began pouring in online as residents expressed condolences to the victims&rsquo; families.
The AAIB&rsquo;s findings will be crucial in determining whether mechanical failure, pilot error, or external factors contributed to the crash. Until then, officials have urged restraint against speculation, emphasizing that the priority remains supporting victims&rsquo; families and securing the crash site.

One survivor critical as probe launched into tragic UK accident

3 Dead in Isle of Wight Helicopter Crash

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August 26, 2025 | 14:38 IST