Three people have died after a Robinson R44 II helicopter crashed during a flying lesson near the A3020 Shanklin Road on the Isle of Wight.
The aircraft, operated by Northumbria Helicopters, went down in a field shortly after 9:24 am. Four people were on board; tragically, three have now been confirmed dead, while a fourth was severely injured and airlifted to University Hospital Southampton’s Major Trauma Centre.
Witnesses reported seeing the chopper spiralling into a hedge, with some wreckage landing on the roadway. Emergency services—including the Air Ambulance critical care team, multiple ambulances, fire crews, and the coastguard—responded swiftly.
A major incident was declared at 9:47 am but has since been stood down. The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has dispatched investigators, and the A3020 remains closed amid ongoing response efforts
