By Eniola Amadu
Three people have been reported dead and another seriously injured when a helicopter crashed into a field near Shanklin during a flying lesson on Monday morning.
The aircraft, carrying four people, went down around 9:20 a.m., according to Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police.
One person was airlifted to University Hospital Southampton’s Major Trauma Centre and remains in critical condition.
Police confirmed the fatalities but withheld details pending family notifications.
“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.”
However, the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has launched an inquiry, deploying a team to examine the crash site and collect evidence.
Helicopter identified G-OCLV
Northumbria Helicopters, which operated the aircraft, identified it as helicopter G-OCLV and confirmed it was on a flying lesson with four people onboard, including the pilot.
They expressed their full cooperation during the investigation.
“Northumbria Helicopters is giving its full cooperation to the authorities investigating this incident,” the company said in a statement.
Meanwhile, emergency services, including the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, have responded quickly to the scene.
“We have treated and airlifted one patient to the Major Trauma Centre,” a spokesperson said. “Our thoughts are with them, and everyone involved in today’s incident.”
Local MP Joe Robertson urged residents to avoid the area. “Where the helicopter came down is fairly rural,”.
He further revealed that the area “is surrounded by fields and a road that connects Shanklin and Sandown through to Ventnor. It’s not heavily populated, though it is close to a main road.”
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash.
