Helicopter crashes near Isle of Wight airport during flying lesson, killing 3

A Robinson R44 Clipper II crashed in a field during a flying lesson close to the town of Ventnor on the Isle of Wight, the largest island of England. Three of the four people on board were killed, and one was seriously injured. 

The accident happened on August 25, 2025, just before 09:30 local time, Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones announced in a statement. The crash location is three kilometers (approximately 1.8 miles) southwest of Isle of Wight/Sandown Airport. 

Jones confirmed that the fourth person, who was injured but survived, is currently in hospital in a serious condition. According to local authorities, the survivor was airlifted to University Hospital Southampton’s trauma center.  

“This is a devastating incident that has deeply shocked the local community. The families affected are being supported during this incredibly difficult time,” she added. 

UK | Isle of Wight Helicopter Crash— Robinson R44 II from Sandown Airport (flying lesson) crashed near Shanklin— 4 onboard → 3 dead, 1 airlifted to Southampton hospital (serious)— Witnesses saw aircraft “spiralling” before impact— AAIB investigating#aespa #AFHS #Isle pic.twitter.com/6TdnFmDlly— GlobeUpdate (@Globupdate) August 26, 2025

The helicopter, registered as G-OCLV, took off from Isle of Wight/Sandown Airport roughly 20 minutes before it crashed. An eyewitness claimed to have seen the helicopter spinning before it hit a hedge while driving on a nearby road. 

According to records from the Civil Aviation Authority, the aircraft was owned by ADVENTURE 001 Helicopters but operated by Northumbria Helicopters. The helicopter was built in 2004 and recorded 2,198 hours of flight as of February 2025. 

Emergency services, including Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary, the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service, and hospital staff, were quickly dispatched to the scene of the crash. 

The UK’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch stated that it has sent inspectors to the crash site to collect evidence and find out what caused the incident.  

In the meantime, Joe Robertson, the Conservative MP for Isle of Wight East, announced in a statement on Facebook that the crash has left the entire community in shock. 

“It is very sad and tragic news during what should have been a happy bank holiday helicopter flight from Sandown Airport,” Robertson said. “The whole community is in shock. My sincere thanks to all the emergency services personnel who have been involved and to the investigators for their work ahead.” The post Helicopter crashes near Isle of Wight airport during flying lesson, killing 3 appeared first on AeroTime.

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