Pilot & couple killed in horror helicopter crash minutes into flying lesson are pictured as families pay tribute

A PILOT and a couple who were killed in a tragic helicopter crash have been pictured.

The victims heartbroken families paid tribute today after the chopper “spiralled” into the ground yesterday close to the A3020 Shanklin Road on the Isle of Wight, leading to the three deaths.

The horror unfolded during a flying lesson at around 9.30am, with four people on board including the pilot – named today as 54-year-old Simon Hewitt from Barton-upon-Humber.

Simon lost his life alongside passengers Justyna Czoska, 52, and Wojtek Kowalkowski, 49, in the shocking crash, the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary said.

A fourth person – a man in his 30s – was also onboard and is currently in a stable condition in hospital after being seriously injured in the disaster.

Tributes have been paid to the victims from their families.

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.”

In a tribute released through police, Justyna Czoska’s daughters and 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”.

Wojciech 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 GoFundMe has now been set up for a mum and her partner who tragically lost their lives,

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.”

In a tribute released through police, Justyna Czoska’s daughters and 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”.

Wojciech Kowalkowski’s family said he was “the father of two loving children, and will be deeply missed”.

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

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 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.”

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.”