Helicopter Accident Isle of Wight
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From: scotland
Isle of Wight crash Aug 25th 2025
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c87e22ryerlo
https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/364251...icopter-crash/
A helicopter has crashed in a field on the Isle of Wight.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary was called to the scene near Shanklin at about 09:24 BST and has closed the A3020 Shanklin Road.
Police say the road has been closed due to the number of emergency vehicles in attendance and officers have asked people to avoid the area.
The BBC has contacted the emergency services for more information.
---A witness has recalled the moment the chopper plunged to the ground.
Leigh Goldsmith said she was on her way to Shanklin when she saw the helicopter "spiralling".
She told County Press that it crashed into a hedge and was carrying four people onboard - two in the front and two in the back.
She further explained that it looked like the airbags had been activated at around 9.20am.
https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/364251...icopter-crash/
A helicopter has crashed in a field on the Isle of Wight.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary was called to the scene near Shanklin at about 09:24 BST and has closed the A3020 Shanklin Road.
Police say the road has been closed due to the number of emergency vehicles in attendance and officers have asked people to avoid the area.
The BBC has contacted the emergency services for more information.
---A witness has recalled the moment the chopper plunged to the ground.
Leigh Goldsmith said she was on her way to Shanklin when she saw the helicopter "spiralling".
She told County Press that it crashed into a hedge and was carrying four people onboard - two in the front and two in the back.
She further explained that it looked like the airbags had been activated at around 9.20am.
Last edited by PPRuNeUser445748; 25th August 2025 at 10:45.
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25th August 2025, 18:15
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From: Uk
This morning four people woke up, drew back the curtains and saw clear blue sky, perfect flying conditions.
Doubtless they were all excited at the prospect of flying. Maybe it was their first time, maybe it wasn't. The pilot might have flown 1,000 times before, maybe 10,000.
Three of them won't be waking up tomorrow. One, assuming they pull through, will wake up to a different world.
Not one of them foresaw this. Not one of them deserved it. And I'll bet the pilot was at his absolute best when it mattered the most.
Those left behind - the badly injured survivor, the partners, the children, the parents, friends and wider family have all got spaces at the dinner table tonight, empty desks in the office tomorrow, and most important a hole in their lives.
As an aviation community, whether a PPL student with a handful of hours or a 10,000 hour fixed wing pilot, we owe it to those departed as well as those left behind not to post the way that some have above.
RIP. It could be me or you next time.
Doubtless they were all excited at the prospect of flying. Maybe it was their first time, maybe it wasn't. The pilot might have flown 1,000 times before, maybe 10,000.
Three of them won't be waking up tomorrow. One, assuming they pull through, will wake up to a different world.
Not one of them foresaw this. Not one of them deserved it. And I'll bet the pilot was at his absolute best when it mattered the most.
Those left behind - the badly injured survivor, the partners, the children, the parents, friends and wider family have all got spaces at the dinner table tonight, empty desks in the office tomorrow, and most important a hole in their lives.
As an aviation community, whether a PPL student with a handful of hours or a 10,000 hour fixed wing pilot, we owe it to those departed as well as those left behind not to post the way that some have above.
RIP. It could be me or you next time.
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From: Sunny Side Up :)
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From: scotland
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If it was a Clipper and the floats deployed, the witness would be absolutely correct in every sense, as floats are literally airbags (bags filled with air).
Last edited by pilotmike; 25th August 2025 at 13:46. Reason: Corrected zmariner to Clipper
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From: East Sussex
Possibly G-OCLV (R44) that was doing circuits from Sandown around 0830 and the trace then stops around the A3020.
G-HIOW and G-MCGM both then in attendance shortly afterward.
Based on ADS-B Exchange.
G-HIOW and G-MCGM both then in attendance shortly afterward.
Based on ADS-B Exchange.
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From: Too close to Croydon for comfort
Photos in Telegraph seem to show the blades still intact and atop the rotormast (rest of helicopter behind hedge but appears to be from head on and leaning to one side) so hopefully a survivable heavy landing.
Pics show this one does have pop out floats, how are they triggered?
Edit: from.BBC:
Pics show this one does have pop out floats, how are they triggered?
Edit: from.BBC:
One patient has been treated and airlifted to the major trauma centre at University Hospital Southampton, the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance say in a statement.
Avoid imitations
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From: Wandering the FIR and cyberspace often at highly unsociable times
That’s obviously suffered a very heavy vertical impact. I hope the occupants aren’t badly hurt.
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From: South of UK
The floats are deployed, is this an SOP for a Clipper in the event of a problem? One eyewitness reported seeing 'airbags' while it was in the air.
Last edited by 206 jock; 25th August 2025 at 19:36.
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From: UK
On this occasion, I must believe they were unlikely to have been triggered deliberately, unless as a last ditch cushioning effort, which I doubt.
However, as they have a limiting speed, possibly it could have been an inadvertent triggering that could have been causal..... though of course that is pure speculation; I know nothing whatsoever about this incident.
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From: Blackbushe City Limits
Sub Judice Angel Lovegod
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Shanklin Town Council was shocked to hear about the incident involving a pleasure flight helicopter crash landing on the outskirts of the town.
This bank holiday, as well as hosting the scooter rally on the island, has many organised events that run from Sandown airport.
One of those is the regular flights that give visitors the ability to view the coastline from the air.
This is a tragic accident and the pilot deserves huge credit for bringing down the helicopter in a field away from any built up areas.
Our thoughts and prays are with the individuals involved as well as their immediate families, not forgetting the quick action and professionalism of our emergency services.
This bank holiday, as well as hosting the scooter rally on the island, has many organised events that run from Sandown airport.
One of those is the regular flights that give visitors the ability to view the coastline from the air.
This is a tragic accident and the pilot deserves huge credit for bringing down the helicopter in a field away from any built up areas.
Our thoughts and prays are with the individuals involved as well as their immediate families, not forgetting the quick action and professionalism of our emergency services.
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From: england
a large UK-wide commercial helicopter pleasure flying business regularly operates the R44 whose registration is speculated at in the other thread; paint and float config also match the accident photo. Their departure board website shows that they were due to be operating flights at Sandown today, but that flights are postponed due to 'aircraft technical problem'. Possibly just a coincidence though.
In any case, best wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured, and in light of the latest news being reported by the BBC, sincere condolences to all involved.
h14
In any case, best wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured, and in light of the latest news being reported by the BBC, sincere condolences to all involved.
h14
Last edited by heli14; 25th August 2025 at 16:48. Reason: updated following news updates - to add condolences
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From: England
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 603
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From: South of UK
Joined: Feb 2007
Aviation Qualifications: PPL
Posts: 635
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From: England