Wojtek Kowalkowski had been gifted the flying lesson for his birthday, travelling down to the Isle of Wight with his partner Justyna Czoska for the experience before the helicopter crashed in a field
Three people have died and another seriously injured after a celebratory birthday flying lesson turned into a disaster when a helicopter crashed in a field on Monday.
The crash claimed the lives of 52-year-old Justyna Czoska, a horse-riding instructor from Oxfordshire, her partner Wojciech “Wojtek” Kowalkowski, 49, and pilot Simon Hewitt, 54, from Lincolnshire. The lesson had been taking place in the Isle of Wight, with the helicopter crashing in a field near Shanklin.
A fourth passenger, a man in his thirties, survived but remains in hospital in Southampton with serious injuries. His condition is described as stable after doctors fought tirelessly to save his life following the crash. Here, we take a look at everything we have learned so far about the crash.
The victims
52-year-old Justyna Czoska, a horse-riding instructor from Oxfordshire, had travelled to the Isle of Wight with her partner Wojciech “Wojtek” Kowalkowski, 49, who had been gifted the flying lesson for his birthday.
Onboard was trained pilot Simon Hewitt, 54, from Lincolnshire, and a man in his thirties who has not been named. Justyna, Wotjek, and Simon died in the crash.
The fourth passenger is being treated in hospital in Southampton, but doctors have described his condition as stable.
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Crash site
The crash site was quickly cordoned off as investigators worked, but for local residents the sight of emergency vehicles crowding the quiet country lane was a surprising scene.
Staff at Sandown Airport, where the flight had departed, said they were “absolutely horrified” by the tragedy, while Isle of Wight MP Joe Robertson described the incident as “heartbreaking.” He praised the swift response of emergency services and spoke of the shock felt across the community.
Witnesses have also begun to share what they saw. One local reported watching in horror as the helicopter appeared to spiral before hitting the ground with a devastating impact.
A spokesman for operator Northumbria Helicopters previously said G-OCLV – a Robinson R44 II – had departed from Sandown Airport at approximately 9.00am on Monday.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary were called at 9.26am after the helicopter came down in a field near the A3020 Shanklin Road on Monday, August 25.
Investigation launched
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has launched a full inquiry into the cause of the crash. Specialists have removed wreckage from the scene for examination, a process expected to take months, with a final report likely within a year.
Though the cause is not yet known, the focus of the investigation will be on whether mechanical failure, human error, or other factors were involved. For now, families of the victims and the wider community are left waiting for answers.
Tributes
Justyna’s daughter, Julia, has led the tributes, calling her mother “the best mum you could ask for”, adding: “I have no words. The world took my mum too soon.”
Justyna’s family described her as “beautiful, funny, talkative, optimistic and kind… she was our best friend. We miss the sound of her voice… The memories with her will last a lifetime.”
Wojtek’s family remembered him as a devoted father of two, adding “he will be deeply missed.”
The partner and family of Simon said: “Simon was the most wonderful, intelligent, kind man and father. He brought so much joy and light into our lives. We are absolutely broken.”
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