Investigation continues into Isle of Wight helicopter crash

An investigation into how a helicopter came to crash in a field on the Isle of Wight is continuing, the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has said.

Justyna Czoska, 52, Wojciech Kowalkowski, 49, and 54-year-old Simon Hewitt were killed when the aircraft came down near Shanklin on Monday morning.

A spokesperson for the AAIB previously said they were gathering physical evidence from the accident site and interviewing witnesses.

The wreckage was removed from the crash site on Tuesday.

The spokesperson added the investigation was likely to take 12 months.

A spokesman for operator Northumbria Helicopters previously said G-OCLV – a Robinson R44 II – had departed from Sandown Airport at approximately 09:00 BST on Monday.

It said the aircraft was “carrying four passengers on board including the pilot, and was undertaking a flying lesson”.

Witnesses reported the aircraft spiralling before crashing in a field alongside the A3020 at 09:20.

One person was airlifted to the major trauma centre at University Hospital Southampton, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said. The other three people on board died.

Ms Czoska and Mr Kowalkowski were both from Banbury in Oxfordshire, while Mr Hewitt was from Barton-upon-Humber in Lincolnshire.

Ms Czoska’s family described her as “beautiful, funny, talkative, optimistic and kind”, and said she was “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,” they said.

Mr Kowalkowski’s family said he was “the father of two loving children”, with Ms Czoska’s daughter saying: “He always made me happy and always made my mum happy.”

Mr Hewitt’s partner and family said they were “absolutely broken”, describing him as “the most wonderful, intelligent, kind man and father”.

Northumbria Helicopters said in a statement that its “devoted pilot” Captain Simon Hewitt would be “truly missed”.