The company behind the helicopter which crashed on the Isle of Wight has jumped to the defence of their pilot instructor
The operator of the helicopter that crashed on the Isle of Wight, killing the pilot and two passengers, has hit back at suggestions that pilot error might be to blame.
The Robinson R44 chopper came down near Shanklin on Monday morning during a flying lesson. The manufacturer, Robinson, had pointed out that statistically pilot error is the most common cause of such crashes. But Northumbria Helicopters, which ran the flight, called that line of speculation “premature” and “deeply insensitive” to the family of 54-year-old instructor Simon Hewitt.
Mr Hewitt, from Barton-upon-Humber in Lincolnshire, died alongside passengers Justyna Czoska, 52, and Wojciech Kowalkowski, 49, who were both from Banbury, Oxfordshire. A fourth passenger, a man in his 30s, survived and remains in hospital in a stable condition.
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Robinson’s Chief Executive, David Smith, had said that over 80% of similar crashes are eventually attributed to pilot error. He also expressed condolences, saying: “Our thoughts are with the families and friends of the three individuals who lost their lives, and we are hopeful for a full recovery for the survivor.
“While we understand there are many questions about what caused this accident, we do not have enough information to speak with any certainty at this time. What is definitive is that in 80-plus per cent of situations, outcomes of these accidents are ruled as pilot error, rather than mechanical failure.”
But Northumbria Helicopters criticised the comment, saying they were “very disappointed” by it: “At this stage, the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has only just begun its work. It is therefore both premature and inappropriate to speculate on the causes of this tragedy.
“Any suggestion of pilot error at this point is not supported by evidence and risks causing unnecessary distress to grieving families, friends, and colleagues. Simon Hewitt was an immensely respected, exceptionally safety-conscious and highly skilled flight instructor and commercial pilot, admired both professionally and personally. To imply fault before the facts have been established is not only inaccurate but also deeply insensitive to those mourning his loss.”
Tributes have since poured in since the tragedy with Mr Hewitt’s family saying they were left “absolutely broken,” describing him as “the most wonderful, intelligent, kind man and father.” Ms Czoska’s family said she had been “our best friend,” while Mr Kowalkowski’s relatives said the father of two would be “deeply missed.”
Ms Czoska’s family said: “We are heartbroken to share the passing of our mum, she was beautiful, funny, talkative, optimistic and kind – always wanting to make those around her happy. She was our best friend, we miss the sound of her voice, we will miss her forever. The memories with her will last a lifetime.”
And Mr Kowalkowski’s devastated family said he was “the father of two loving children, and will be deeply missed”. While Justyna’s daughter added: “He always made me happy and always made my mum happy and always made what was a family. He helped and was a heart-filled person”.
The AAIB has said its investigation could take up to 12 months.
