Tragic Helicopter Crash Near Shanklin Kills Three
Three people have died and a fourth is critically injured after a helicopter spiralled out of control and crashed near Shanklin on the Isle of Wight this morning.
Disaster Strikes Minutes After Take-Off
The crash happened at around 9:24am on Shanklin Road (A3020), near the village of Gold Hill. The Robinson R55 helicopter had taken off only minutes before from Sandown Airport and was being used for a flying lesson.
Major Emergency Response Launched
- Police declared a major incident at 9:47am, now stood down.
- Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance rushed to the scene, airlifting one patient to Southampton General Hospital’s Major Trauma Centre.
- Fire crews from Newport, Ventnor, and Shanklin battled at the crash site.
- Hampshire & Isle of Wight Police closed roads around the scene as emergency teams worked tirelessly.
A Critical Care Team, including a doctor and specialist paramedic, treated casualties on site.
Fatalities Confirmed, Investigation Underway
Northumbria Helicopters, operator of sightseeing flights and training, confirmed the aircraft was on a lesson flight with four people aboard, including the pilot. Three have tragically died at the scene; one survivor remains in serious condition in hospital.
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has deployed a team to the Isle of Wight to probe the cause of the crash.
A spokesman for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police said: “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. 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.”
