Three people were killed when a helicopter crashed into a field near Shanklin on the Isle of Wight at about 9:20am. Four people were on board; one person was airlifted to hospital and remains in serious condition. The aircraft, registered G-OCLV, departed Sandown Airport at approximately 9:00 and was undertaking a flying lesson. An investigation by the Air Accident Investigation Branch has been launched and inspectors were sent to the accident site to gather evidence. The operator was identified as Northumbria Helicopters. Eyewitnesses reported the helicopter spiralling and airbags appearing to have deployed; the crash location is in a fairly rural area.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight police confirmed that three people had been killed in the crash. In a statement, the force said: At this time we are unable to provide further information about the people involved, as efforts continue to contact and support their families. We will not be commenting on the circumstances of the incident but continue to work alongside the Air Accident Investigation Branch.
Northumbria Helicopters, the operator of the aircraft, confirmed that four people were on aircraft G-OCLV involved in the crash. It said: 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. Northumbria Helicopters is giving its full cooperation to the authorities investigating this incident.
One eyewitness, Leigh Goldsmith, said she saw the helicopter spiralling. Speaking to the Isle of Wight County Press, she said she was driving towards Shanklin when the helicopter disappeared and came down in a hedge. Afterwards, she went to the scene of the crash and saw what looked like airbags activated under the helicopter.
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