Isle of Wight ,August 26(HS):
Three people were killed and another left critically injured after a helicopter spiralled out of control and crashed in a field near Shanklin on the Isle of Wight.
The aircraft, a Robinson R44 II operated by Northumbria Helicopters, had taken off from Sandown Airport around 09:00 BST on Monday for a flying lesson with four people on board. About 20 minutes later, it came down beside the A3020, prompting police to declare a major incident.
One survivor was airlifted to Southampton’s University Hospital trauma centre in serious condition, while emergency crews secured the crash zone for investigators from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB).
Eyewitnesses described the helicopter “spiralling” before coming down in hedges near the road, while local leaders praised the pilot for avoiding built-up areas. The crash coincided with a busy bank holiday weekend of events, including the Isle of Wight Scooter Rally attended by thousands.
Isle of Wight East MP Joe Robertson called the crash a “tragedy” and said the community stood ready to support the victims’ families.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
