Isle of Wight helicopter crash pilot who died in flying lesson smash pictured

A pilot killed in a helicopter crash during a flying lesson on the Isle of Wight has been pictured as his family have paid tribute.

Emergency services were called to the site near the A3020 Shanklin Road on Monday morning after the crash which killed three people, with a fourth person, a man in his 30s, rushed to hospital where he is in a stable condition. The pilot of the helicopter has now been named as Simon Hewitt, 54, from Barton-upon-Humber in Lincolnshire.

Mr Hewitt’s 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.”

READ MORE: Isle of Wight helicopter crash victims named as 'beloved' couple leaving family 'devastated'

Earlier today Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary also released the names of Justyna Czoska, 52, and Wojciech Kowalkowski, 49, both from Banbury, who were the other victims in the tragedy.

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".

A spokesman for Northumbria Helicopters said that its aircraft G-OCLV – which is listed as a Robinson R44 II helicopter – crashed during a flying lesson. The firm said: “Northumbria Helicopters confirms aircraft G-OCLV was involved in an accident in the Shanklin area on the Isle of Wight.

"The flight, which departed from Sandown Airport at approximately 9am, was carrying four passengers on board including the pilot, and was undertaking a flying lesson. Northumbria Helicopters is giving its full co-operation to the authorities investigating this incident.”

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.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary previously said in a statement on Monday: “We can confirm that three people have died following a helicopter crash on the Isle of Wight this morning."

A spokesperson added on Tuesday evening: "We are continuing to work alongside the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) and the Coroner to establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident. Activity at the crash site is expected to be completed by the end of Wednesday 27 August."

A spokeswoman for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance confirmed that one of those on board had been airlifted to hospital. She said on Monday: “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 Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman said: “Firefighters from Newport, Ventnor and Shanklin were called out shortly before 09.30am on Monday, 25 August, following reports of a light aircraft incident near Shanklin Road.”

And a spokesman for the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) said: “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.”

Joe Robertson, Conservative MP for Isle of Wight East, told Times Radio the incident was “heartbreaking”, saying what should have been a fun morning out turned to “tragedy”.