Sonali Tiwary
A helicopter crashed in a field adjacent to the A3020 Shanklin Road on the Isle of Wight at 09:24 BST today. One person has been airlifted to the Major Trauma Centre at University Hospital Southampton.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance confirmed their dispatchers deployed Helimed 56 at 09:28 to the incident near Shanklin. “The Critical Care Team consisting of a doctor and a specialist paramedic are on scene, working alongside our emergency service colleagues,” the air ambulance service stated on social media. In a later update, they confirmed: “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.”
Each mission costs approximately £3,500, with the service funded entirely through charitable donations.
Local eyewitness Leigh Goldsmith observed the aircraft before impact. “The helicopter was spiralling before it came down in a hedge,” Goldsmith stated. The eyewitness believed the aircraft’s airbags had been activated.
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Fire & Rescue mobilized three units from Newport, Ventnor, and Shanklin stations. The multi-agency response involves significant operational resources during a busy period for the island.
A3020 Shanklin Road remains closed, causing local business disruption during the peak tourist season. Police have advised motorists to avoid the area due to the number of emergency vehicles at the scene.
Local authorities have put in place safety measures around the crash site. According to Councillor Chris Quirk, who represents the Shanklin area, there was “no apparent smoke” coming from the scene.
Weather conditions at the time were favorable for flying, with good visibility and light winds according to Met Office data. These conditions would typically meet the requirements for Visual Flight Rules operations.
The AAIB (Air Accidents Investigation Branch) has confirmed it is deploying a team to investigate the incident. As a branch of the Department for Transport, the AAIB is responsible for investigating civil aircraft accidents within the UK.
As of the latest reports, AAIB investigators are heading to the site and roads remain closed while emergency services work at the scene. The Isle of Wight Ambulance Service deployed four ambulances, an Operational Commander and a Rapid Response Paramedic to assist.
The helicopter crashed near Shanklin Road, Ventnor, at 09:24 BST on 25 August 2025. One person was transported to hospital. Emergency services responded to the scene. Road closures remain in place as the investigation continues.
