Four on board as helicopter crashes in Isle of Wight field

Emergency services rushed to the Isle of Wight after a helicopter with four people on board crashed in a field near Shanklin on Monday morning. The incident happened at around 09:20 BST on Shanklin Road, which was quickly closed to allow rescue crews access. One person was flown by air ambulance to the Major Trauma Centre at University Hospital Southampton, but the condition of the other three passengers remains unclear.

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The helicopter, registered as G-OCLV, belonged to Northumbria Helicopters. The company confirmed it had been carrying out a flying lesson with a pilot and three passengers when the crash occurred. It added that it was fully cooperating with the authorities investigating the accident. Fire crews from Newport, Ventnor and Shanklin attended the scene, supported by ambulances, paramedics and operational commanders.

Shanklin Town Council described the event as “tragic” and credited the pilot for bringing the helicopter down away from populated areas, preventing further casualties. The council extended sympathy to the families involved and praised the swift work of emergency responders. Events over the bank holiday weekend, including the Isle of Wight Scooter Rally, had brought large crowds to the island, making the crash’s rural location a relief to officials.

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) confirmed it has sent a team to examine the site and begin a full inquiry into the crash. The accident site is in a rural area south of the island, between Shanklin and Ventnor, surrounded by fields and narrow roads with tall hedges. Police have cordoned off nearby bridleways and footpaths to secure the area, while the public has been urged to stay away.

Local MP Joe Robertson said the helicopter came down in countryside not far from main roads linking coastal towns, but stressed it was fortunate the crash happened away from heavily populated areas. Fleur Sanders, who runs a holiday park nearby, said road closures made it chaotic for visitors trying to reach their accommodation.

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Shanklin Town Council reiterated its shock and gratitude that the pilot avoided built-up zones. It highlighted that the site is used for pleasure flights offering tourists aerial views of the coastline, and that many visitors were on the island for the scooter rally.

Meteorologists and investigators are working to establish the cause of the crash, while local leaders continue to commend emergency crews for their quick response in containing the aftermath and aiding the injured.