The Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) has issued an update on its investigation into the fatal helicopter crash near Shanklin that claimed the lives of 3 people exactly a year ago today (Tuesday).
It was shortly before 09:30 on Bank Holiday Monday – 25th August 2025 – that a Robinson R44 II helicopter – G-OCLV – came down beside the A3020 Shanklin Road, around a mile-and-a-half from Sandown Airport, prompting a major incident to be declared.
Pilot Simon Hewitt, 54, and passengers Justyna Czoska, 52, and Wojtek Kowalkowski, 49, were tragically killed in the crash. Inquests into the deaths of all 3 heard that they all died as a result of multiple injuries.
A fourth person, a man in his 30s, survived with serious injuries and was airlifted to the Major Trauma Centre at Southampton General Hospital after medics from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance spent around 2 hours stabilising him at the scene.
On the first anniversary of the tragedy, the AAIB has confirmed that its investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash is now nearing completion.
It is understood the cause of the fatal crash has been identified.
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch has said:
“The investigation into the accident is nearing completion and the final report will be published in due course.”
No specific date has been given for the publication of the final report.
So sad.