A PILOT tragically killed in a Bank Holiday helicopter crash has been pictured as tributes pour in.
Three died in the horror at around 9.30am on Monday, near the A3020 Shanklin Road, on the Isle of Wight.
The pilot has been named as Simon Hewitt, 54
facebook@JuliaBuzarA couple killed in the crash have been named as Justyna Czoska and Wojtek Kowalkowski[/caption]
SolentThe chopper crashed at around 9.30am on Monday[/caption]
The pilot of the chopper who tragically died has been named as Simon Hewitt, 54, from Barton-upon-Humber, Lincolnshire, Hampshire Constabulary said.
In an emotional tribute, Simon’s partner and family said: “Simon was the most wonderful, intelligent, kind man and father.
“He bought so much joy and light into our lives. We are absolutely broken.”
Earlier today, Justyna Czoska, 52, and her partner Wojtek Kowalkowski, 49, were named and pictured as the two other victims.
A fourth person on the chopper – a man in his 30s – is thought not to be linked to the other passengers, and he was taken to hospital where he remains in a stable condition.
A GoFundMe has now been set up for Justyna and Wojtek.
Julia Buzar, daughter of Ms Czoska, paid tribute to her mother and stepfather in a heartbreaking social media post.
The 22 year old said: “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 their families it would mean the world to me.”
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.
Ms Buzar and her partner Jacob Butler set up a GoFundMe to raise money to cover funeral arrangements in Poland.
Mr Butler said: “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.”
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.”
A fourth male victim was flown to Southampton General Hospital’s Major Trauma Centre by the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance with serious injuries yesterday.
Northumbria Helicopters confirmed a G-OCLV, which is listed as a Robinson R44 II, was involved in the incident.
UKNIPTheir devastated daughter Julia has paid tribute[/caption]
PAThe wreckage photographed on Monday[/caption]
SolentA man remains in serious condition in hospital[/caption]
SolentThe incident sparked a huge emergency response[/caption]
It is understood the company offers pilot training and flying lessons starting from £199 for 20 minutes.
A cordon remain in place at the site today as investigations continue.
Isle of Wight resident Vicky Cavanagh went on a helicopter experience with Northumbria Helicopters on Saturday and said she “could not fault” the staff.
Ms Cavanagh, who was celebrating her 40th birthday, told BBC Solent: “My experience was amazing it was so professional, they were amazing, the safety briefings were great. It was just lovely, I loved it.
“But yeah, this morning it hit home quite a bit, it was quite upsetting yesterday, I was quite emotional.
“I know it is not about me but it hits home quite a lot.”
Ms Cavanagh continued: “We didn’t have to even put our own seatbelts on. They did it for us. The staff were amazing and they told us not to really speak to the pilot but he was pointing out things to us and saying here’s this.
“Honestly it was such an amazing experience I just can’t imagine how scared they would have been because obviously people are scared of going in helicopters.
“They told us what we could and couldn’t do and made it very clear to us and it was all done to us with pictures and writing and it was really professional and I can’t fault them to be honest. It was really great.”
Tracking of the helicopter’s flight suggests it left Sandown Airport in the morning and climbed to an altitude of about 800 feet before an issue occurred.
From that point it was about 27 seconds before it hit the ground.
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.”
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.
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.”
facebook@JuliaBuzarThe flying lesson had been a present for lorry driver Wojtek[/caption]
SolentA helicopter has reportedly crashed on the Isle of Wight prompting a major emergency service response. The aircraft came down this morning near the town of Shanklin. Emergency crews are responding to the incident. Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance has been scrambled, as has Coastguard Rescue 175 from Lee-on-Solent. It was just after […][/caption]
SolentA helicopter has reportedly crashed on the Isle of Wight prompting a major emergency service response. The aircraft came down this morning near the town of Shanklin. Emergency crews are responding to the incident. Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance has been scrambled, as has Coastguard Rescue 175 from Lee-on-Solent. It was just after […][/caption]
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