It has been confirmed that three people have been killed following a helicopter crash on the Isle of Wight. The aircraft was carrying four people, including the pilot, when it crashed in a field near Shanklin.
Emergency services rushed to the scene, and pictures show the aftermath of the incident, after they were alerted at around 9.24am on Monday morning. The crash is said to have happened during a flying lesson.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight police have confirmed three people have been killed in the crash. In a statement, it was said: “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 [AAIB].”
The AAIB has launched an investigation and added: “A team of inspectors has been sent to the accident site to gather evidence and make inquiries.”
via Isle of Wight County Press/Solent News/Shutterstock
Shanklin Town Council praised the pilot for “bringing the helicopter down” away from the more densely populated areas on the Isle of Wight. It added there had been a number of scheduled events in the area, over the bank holiday. The council said in a statement it was “shocked to hear about the incident involving a pleasure flight helicopter crash landing on the outskirts of the town.”
One person survived the impact, and they have been taken to the trauma centre at University Hospital Southampton. A spokesperson for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air 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.”
via Isle of Wight County Press/Solent News/Shutterstock
Northumbria Helicopters, the operator of the aircraft, confirmed four people were on the aircraft at the time of the crash. It 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. Northumbria Helicopters is giving its full cooperation to the authorities investigating this incident.”
It is not yet clear what the cause of the crash was, and investigations continue.
For more, like The Tab on Facebook. Featured image via Isle of Wight County Press/Solent News/Shutterstock.
