A helicopter crash on the Isle of Wight yesterday claimed the lives of two individuals, identified as Justyna Czoska, 52, and Wojtek Kowalkowski, 49.
The aircraft reportedly spiralled to the ground in a field near the A3020 Shanklin Road during a flying lesson on Monday morning.
The pair, from Bloxham in Oxfordshire, had come to the island to pursue Mr Kowalkowski’s long-standing dream of learning to fly.
Julia Buzar, 22, the daughter of Ms Czoska, shared a heartfelt message on social media, saying: “I cannot believe the world has taken my mum so soon. She was truly remarkable and cherished by all who knew her. My heart is shattered.
Please, if anyone can help bring them back to Poland to be with their families, it would mean the world to me. Rest in peace, Mum and Wojtek.”
A fundraising initiative has been launched to assist with returning the couple’s remains to their home country.
The identity of the third person killed in the crash has not been released.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary confirmed that three people died and one remains in hospital in serious condition. It is reported that four individuals were on the helicopter when the accident occurred.
Police stated that they are still reaching out to families and cannot provide further details about the victims.
An eyewitness, Leigh Goldsmith, described seeing the helicopter spiralling in the sky before it went out of sight and crashed into a hedge near Shanklin.
Local fire crews attended the scene alongside emergency services to secure the area and assist with the response.
The Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) has dispatched a team to investigate the circumstances of the crash.
Joe Robertson, Conservative MP for Isle of Wight East, called the incident “heartbreaking,” noting that what should have been a routine flying lesson ended in tragedy.
Local residents have expressed shock and sadness, sharing messages of support for the families affected by the accident.
The crash has prompted renewed attention on safety protocols for private flying lessons on the Isle of Wight.
Officials are asking the public to provide any details they may have to support the investigation into the crash.
