Three people have died and a fourth is in critical condition after a helicopter crashed during a flying lesson on the Isle of Wight, Hampshire Police have confirmed.
Emergency services were called to the crash site on Monday afternoon, where they found the wreckage of the aircraft belonging to Northumbria Helicopters. The operator said the helicopter was carrying four people at the time of the incident, all of whom were on board for an instructional flight.
Police said efforts are ongoing to contact the families of those involved.
“At this time we are unable to provide further information about the people involved,” a Hampshire Police spokesperson said. “We are working closely with the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) to determine the circumstances.”
The crash site has been sealed off by officers, with multiple emergency vehicles and crews stationed in the surrounding area. Local residents reported hearing the sound of the aircraft before emergency sirens were heard rushing to the scene.
The AAIB confirmed that a team of investigators has been dispatched to the Isle of Wight. They will examine the aircraft remains and flight data, as well as interview witnesses, to establish what led to the crash.
Northumbria Helicopters, which operates flight training programmes across the UK, expressed its condolences. In a brief statement, the company said it was “deeply saddened” by the accident and that it was cooperating fully with investigators.
Flying lessons, particularly those involving multiple passengers, are considered routine in pilot training. However, incidents are rare. The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has previously emphasised the importance of rigorous safety checks and procedures in training flights.
Isle of Wight Council leader Lora Peacey-Wilcox described the incident as a “tragedy that has shocked the community” and praised the swift response of emergency services.
The identities of those killed have not yet been released. The critically injured survivor is being treated in hospital, though no further details about their condition have been provided.
Helicopter accidents in the UK are infrequent but have drawn significant public attention when they occur. In 2018, Leicester City’s chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha was among five people killed when a helicopter crashed outside the club’s stadium.
Investigations into such accidents often take months, with the AAIB producing detailed reports that can include safety recommendations for operators and regulators.
For now, police have urged the public to avoid the crash site, while offering reassurances that there is no wider danger to the community.
“This is an incredibly difficult time for the families and loved ones of those involved,” Hampshire Police said. “Our thoughts remain firmly with them.”
