Three Dead in Helicopter Crash on Isle of Wight, One Survivor in Critical Condition
A routine flying lesson turned fatal yesterday morning after a helicopter crashed on the Isle of Wight, leaving three people dead and another fighting for their life.
The accident unfolded near the A3020 Shanklin Road, not far from Sandown Airport, where the aircraft had taken off just after 9am. The helicopter, a Robinson R44 II with the registration G-OCLV, belonged to Northumbria Helicopters.
In a statement, the company confirmed: “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.”
Isle of Wight Helicopter crashes Update:
Images from the crash site on the Isle of Wight show a number of ambulances, fire engines and police cars parked up along Shanklin Road. The rotors of the crashed helicopter appear to be poking out from the field. pic.twitter.com/4kQ6T01cFm
— Abhijit Pathak (@aajtakabhijit) August 25, 2025
Moments later, it was over.
Leigh Goldsmith, who was driving towards Shanklin, described the horrifying sight. She told the Isle of Wight County Press that she saw the helicopter “spiralling” before vanishing from view and plunging into a hedge.
Emergency services were immediately dispatched, including Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, local fire crews, and the air ambulance. One survivor was airlifted to hospital and remains in a critical condition.
Police confirmed in a statement: “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.”
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has launched a full inquiry to determine the cause of the crash. Specialists remain at the site, combing through debris and data to piece together what went wrong.
The tragedy has shaken the community. Joe Robertson, Conservative MP for Isle of Wight East, said the incident was “heartbreaking” and that what should have been a joyful morning instead descended into “tragedy”.
Local residents stood in silence yesterday evening, watching emergency crews clear the crash site. What was meant to be a lesson in the skies has left an island community grieving.
