By Mal Butler
Sincere tributes have been paid after a helicopter pilot and two passengers died following a helicopter crash near Shanklin, on Bank Holiday Monday morning.
Police this week named the victims as Simon Hewitt, 54, from Barton-upon-Humber, and Justyna Czoska, 52, and Wojciech Kowalkowski, 49, who were both from Banbury.
A fourth person in the helicopter, a man aged in his 30s, was flown by air ambulance to University Hospital Southampton’s major trauma centre, where he remains in a stable condition.
The families paid tribute to their loved ones this week, with Justyna Czoska’s daughters and family saying: “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.”
Mr Kowalkowski’s family said he was: “The father of two loving children, and will be deeply missed.” 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 tribute from Mr Hewitt’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.”
Justyna and Wojciech, originally from Poland, had travelled to the Island for his birthday gift, a flying lesson.
The helicopter took off from Sandown Airport at 9.18am, and crashed six minutes later in a field between Shanklin and Whiteley Bank.
A road closure was put in place between Whiteley Bank and Apse Manor Road. Multiple emergency services were in attendance, including the Coastguard Rescue from Lee-on-the-Solent.
Northumbria Helicopters, based at Newcastle International Airport, confirmed that was the helicopter and was one of its Robinson R44 II’s. It had been in action over the weekend.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Police & Crime Commissioner, Donna Jones, 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.
“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 the emergency services for their swift and dedicated response. The Air Accidents Investigation Branch has launched a formal investigation into the crash, and we await further details as they work to understand what happened. This was a heartbreaking day for the Isle of Wight, and my thoughts remain firmly with everyone affected.”
Both the Island’s MPs, Joe Robertson (IW East) and Richard Quigley (IW West), spoke of their shock over the incident and offered their condolences.
The families of both Justyna and Wojciech want to transport their bodies back to Poland, so they can be laid to rest in their homeland.
Isle of Wight Observer