A COUPLE who were killed in a tragic helicopter crash have been pictured as their heartbroken daughter pays tribute.
Disaster struck when the chopper “spiralled” to the ground on Monday near the A3020 Shanklin Road, on the Isle of Wight.
facebook@JuliaBuzarA couple killed in the crash have been named as Justyna Czoska and Wojtek Kowalkowski[/caption]
UKNIPTheir devastated daughter Julia has paid tribute[/caption]
facebook@JuliaBuzarThe flying lesson had been a present for lorry driver Wojtek[/caption]
The horror unfolded during a flying lesson at around 9.30am, with four people on board including the pilot.
A GoFundMe has now been set up for a mum and her partner who tragically lost their lives, Justyna Czoska, 49, and Wojtek Kowalkowski, 52.
I have no words the world took my mum too soon, she was the best mum you could ask for, loved by everyone
Julia Buzar
The couple, from Banbury, Oxford, had been on a Bank Holiday daytrip.
Horse-riding instructor Justyna had treated lorry driver Wojtek to the lesson.
Their heartbroken family are now raising funds to fly the pair back to their native Poland.
Devastated daughter Julia, 22, wrote on social media: “I have no words the world took my mum too soon, she was the best mum you could ask for, loved by everyone.
“I never thought I’d be writing something like this.
“Please if anyone could help bring them back to Poland so they can be with there families it would mean the world to me rest in peace mum and Wojtek please share.”
A family tribute on GoFundMe reads: “On August 25th, my partners beloved mum and her partner tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash on the Isle of Wight.
“This sudden and devastating event has left all us heartbroken and struggling to cope with the loss.
“We are now trying to bring them both back to Poland so they can be laid to rest with their families, in the place they called home.
“The cost of repatriation, funeral arrangements, and travel is more than we can manage alone, and we are asking for support during this incredibly difficult time.
“Any donation, no matter how small, will help us give them the farewell they deserve. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your kindness, support, and for keeping our family in your thoughts.
“With love, Jacob and Julia.”
SolentThree people were killed in the tragedy[/caption]
SolentOne remains in serious condition in hospital[/caption]
SolentThe chopper is believed to have crashed just seven seconds after takeoff[/caption]
Meanwhile a colleague of Justyna told The Sun: “She was an instructor. She was really positive.
“A really nice person and she will be greatly missed.
“It’s all a big shock. She was a very nice person. Reliable, honest, cheerful. All positive things for an employee.
“It’s very sad. The people who I feel really bad for are her young daughters who will deal with this.”
The chopper is believed to have lifted off from the nearby Sandown Airport, while flight radar revealed it was only in the air for seven minutes before it crashed.
Northumbria Helicopters confirmed a G-OCLV, which is listed as a Robinson R44 II, was involved in the incident.
It is understood the company offers pilot training and flying lessons starting from £199 for 20 minutes.
Donna Jones, police and crime commissioner, said: “My deepest condolences go out to the families and loved ones of the three people who tragically lost their lives in the helicopter crash near Ventnor on the Isle of Wight this morning.
“My thoughts are also with the fourth individual who remains in hospital in a critical condition.
“This is a devastating incident that has deeply shocked the local community.. The families affected are being supported during this incredibly difficult time.
“I want to thank all of our emergency services for their swift and dedicated response, including Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary, the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service, and hospital staff.
“The Air Accidents Investigation Branch has now launched a formal investigation into the crash, and we await further details as they work to understand what happened.
“This is a heartbreaking day for the Isle of Wight, and my thoughts remain firmly with everyone affected.”
Police declared a “major incident” shortly after the crash but it has since been stood down.
Photos from the scene show part of the wreck on the road, while emergency crews worked nearby.
Shanklin Road was closed as the police have urged people to avoid the area.
Witness, Leigh Goldsmith, told the Isle of Wight County Press she was driving towards Shanklin when she saw the helicopter “spiralling” before it went out of sight and came down in a hedge.
She said she was the first person on the scene and saw there were four people on board.
She also believed the airbags had been activated.
The MP for Isle of Wight East, Joe Robertson, told Times Radio the deaths were “heartbreaking.”
Speaking to John Pienaar, he said: “It’s heartbreaking. What should have been a fun morning out on a helicopter flight on Bank Holiday Monday has turned to tragedy with the death of three people and a fourth of course is seriously ill.
“It’s heartbreaking and I know the local community here on the island are in shock, frankly.”
Mr Robertson added: “I know that here on the island people pull together and support one another and I’d just like to reiterate my thanks to the emergency services who were on the scene very quickly and have done an amazing job, but sadly have been unable to ensure the survival of those people who went in the helicopter.”
A spokesperson for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance said: “We have treated and airlifted one patient to the Major Trauma Centre, University Hospital Southampton.
“Our thoughts are with them, and everyone involved in today’s incident.”
A spokesperson for the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary said on Monday: “We can confirm that three people have died following a helicopter crash on the Isle of Wight this morning.
“Four people in total were on board, with one person currently in hospital in a serious condition.
“At this time we are unable to provide further information about the people involved, as efforts continue to contact and support their families.
“We will not be commenting on the circumstances of the incident but continue to work alongside the Air Accident Investigation Branch.”
A spokesman for the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) added: “The AAIB was notified of an accident involving a light helicopter on the Isle of Wight this morning. We are deploying a team to commence an investigation.”
PAThe wreckage photographed on Monday[/caption]
SolentThe crash sparked a huge emergency response[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
