Three dead, one critically injured in Isle of Wight helicopter crash

Three people died and a fourth was critically injured after a Robinson R44 II helicopter crashed during a flying lesson on the Isle of Wight on Monday morning, authorities said. The aircraft, operated by Northumbria Helicopters as GOCLV, came down in a field near the A3020 Shanklin Road at about 9.24 a.m., shortly after departing Sandown Airport, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said.

Police confirmed three people on board were killed and the fourth was airlifted to the major trauma centre at University Hospital Southampton. Emergency services, including the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, fire crews and coastguard units, responded to the scene and the road around the site remained closed while teams worked. The force said officers were contacting and supporting the victims families and declined to comment on the circumstances of the incident while the investigation continues.

Eyewitness Leigh Goldsmith told local media she saw the helicopter "spiralling" before it disappeared from view and came down in a hedge. Northumbria Helicopters said the flight had been undertaking a flying lesson and that four people were on board, including the pilot, adding the...