LONDON (AP) — A tragic incident occurred on the Isle of Wight, located off the south coast of England, where a helicopter crashed during a flight lesson on Monday morning. The accident resulted in the deaths of three individuals and left one person with serious injuries. The crash took place just before 9:30 a.m. involving a Robinson R44 II helicopter, which was operated by Northumbria Helicopters.

The helicopter was carrying a pilot and three passengers at the time of the incident. Eyewitness Leigh Goldsmith reported seeing the helicopter spiraling down towards a hedge. Her observation highlights the sudden and alarming nature of the crash, which has left the community in shock.

Emergency services quickly responded to the scene following the accident. The individual who sustained serious injuries was airlifted to the trauma center at University Hospital Southampton for urgent medical care. The condition of the injured survivor has not been disclosed, but their survival offers a glimmer of hope amidst the tragedy.

The U.K.’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch has announced that it is dispatching a team of inspectors to the site of the crash. This investigation will aim to uncover the cause of the accident, which remains unknown at this time. Such inquiries are standard procedure following aviation incidents, as authorities seek to determine the factors that led to this tragic event.

Northumbria Helicopters, the operator of the helicopter involved in the crash, has issued a statement confirming its involvement in the accident during a flight lesson. The company’s acknowledgment underscores the serious nature of the situation and its potential implications for aviation safety regulations and flight training procedures.

This accident has drawn attention to the risks associated with flight training, particularly with helicopters, and raises questions about the safety measures in place for such activities. The Isle of Wight, known for its scenic beauty, has now become the site of a somber remembrance for those lost and affected by this incident.

As the investigation unfolds, there will likely be an increased focus on the safety protocols followed by flying schools and helicopter operators in the U.K. The authorities will likely examine whether all safety measures were adhered to during the flight lesson and if there were any mechanical failures that could have contributed to the crash.

The fatalities from this incident bring into sharp focus the perilous nature of aviation training and the importance of stringent safety regulations in the industry. As communities mourn the loss of life, families and loved ones of the victims are left to cope with the aftermath of this devastating event.

This helicopter crash is a poignant reminder of the inherent risks associated with aviation, particularly in training scenarios, and it emphasizes the critical need for ongoing scrutiny and improvement in safety procedures within the sector.