One person airlifted to hospital after helicopter crash on Isle of Wight

One person has been airlifted to hospital after a helicopter crashed into a field on the Isle of Wight, emergency services say.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary were called to the scene of a "light aircraft crash" off Shanklin Road near Ventnor at 9.24am, the force said.

A critical care team, including a doctor and specialist paramedic, was also sent, Hants and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance added, alongside fire engines and other emergency vehicles.

Helicopter 'spiralled out of sight' - live updates

A spokesperson for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance said in a statement: "We have treated and airlifted one patient to the Major Trauma Centre, University Hospital Southampton. Our thoughts are with them, and everyone involved in today's incident."

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch confirmed it was alerted to the incident and is sending a team to investigate.

Darren Toogood, editor and publisher at the Island Echo, told Sky News presenter Kamali Melbourn four people were on the aircraft when it crashed on a "significantly busy, high-speed road" between the village of Gold Hill and the seaside town of Shanklin.

He believes it was likely a "sightseeing" flight.

"It was on one of the first flights of the day," he said.

"It's a bank holiday weekend in August on the Isle of Wight. It's an incredibly busy area. Lots of tourists down at the moment. It appears no vehicles were involved, which is incredible, given how busy this road would have been this morning."

A witness, Leigh Goldsmith, told the Isle of Wight County Press she saw the helicopter "spiralling" before crashing into a hedge as she drove along the road.

She also claimed four people were on board and believes the aircraft's airbags had been activated.

Police have closed the road, blocking it off with several emergency vehicles, and are warning people to avoid the area.

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(c) Sky News 2025: One person airlifted to hospital after helicopter crash on Isle of Wight