On the morning of August 25, 2025, a tragic helicopter crash near Shanklin on the Isle of Wight claimed three lives and left a community in deep mourning. The victims—Justyna Czoska, 52, Wojciech Kowalkowski, 49, and pilot Simon Hewitt, 54—were all remembered as loving, vibrant individuals whose loss has sent shockwaves through their families, friends, and colleagues.
The ill-fated flight, a Robinson R44 II helicopter registered as G-OCLV, took off from Sandown Airport at approximately 09:00 BST. According to Northumbria Helicopters, the aircraft was conducting a flying lesson with four people on board, including the pilot. Just twenty minutes later, at around 09:20, the helicopter spiraled out of control and crashed into a field alongside the A3020 near Shanklin. Eyewitnesses described the aircraft’s final moments as harrowing, with one witness telling the Isle of Wight County Press she saw the helicopter “spiralling” before it disappeared from view.
Emergency services responded swiftly. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, local fire crews, and the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance were all on the scene. Of the four people on board, three were pronounced dead at the site. The fourth passenger, a man in his 30s, was airlifted to hospital and remains in stable condition, according to police statements reported by BBC and The Standard.
The victims were soon identified. Ms. Czoska and Mr. Kowalkowski, a couple from Banbury in Oxfordshire, had traveled to the Isle of Wight to fulfill Mr. Kowalkowski’s dream of learning to fly, as reported by The Standard. Simon Hewitt, the pilot, hailed from Barton-upon-Humber in Lincolnshire and was described by his partner and family as “the most wonderful, intelligent, kind man and father.” Their statement continued, “He brought so much joy and light into our lives. We are absolutely broken.”
Tributes poured in from every corner of the victims’ lives. Ms. Czoska’s daughters and family described her as “beautiful, funny, talkative, optimistic and kind—always wanting to make those around her happy.” They added, “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.” Her daughter, Julia Buzar, 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.”
Mr. Kowalkowski was remembered by his family as “the father of two loving children and will be deeply missed.” Julia Buzar 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.”
Simon Hewitt’s employer, Northumbria Helicopters, issued a heartfelt statement: “Simon was not only an immensely respected member of our team, but also a truly wonderful family man, a much-loved friend and a highly regarded colleague. Simon will be truly missed.” Adventure 001, the company that owns the helicopter, echoed these sentiments, stating, “At this very sad time, our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of all those involved in a crash yesterday morning on the Isle of Wight.”
Ms. Czoska had worked at Turpins Lodge Riding School in Hook Norton, Oxfordshire, since March 2024. The riding school paid tribute to her on Facebook, describing her as “cheerful, reliable and conscientious.” Their statement read, “Justyna was very well liked at Turpins Lodge by staff and by customers. Justyna was a wonderful coach, horse woman and lovely lady. She will leave a huge hole to fill. Our thoughts go out to Justyna’s daughters, family and friends.”
In the wake of the tragedy, a GoFundMe fundraiser was launched by Julia Buzar and her partner Jacob Butler to help cover the costs of repatriating Ms. Czoska and Mr. Kowalkowski to Poland for burial. The fundraiser’s message, posted in both English and Polish, expressed the family’s heartbreak: “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.”
Local officials and representatives also voiced their condolences. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones said, “This is a devastating incident that has deeply shocked the local community. The families affected are being supported during this incredibly difficult time.” Conservative MP Joe Robertson for Isle of Wight East told Times Radio the crash was “heartbreaking,” noting that what should have been a joyful morning turned to tragedy.
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) quickly began its work, sending a team to the crash site. Their spokesperson explained, “Our current focus is on gathering physical evidence from the accident site and interviewing witnesses. The remains of the helicopter will then be recovered and transported back to our headquarters in Farnborough, Hampshire, for further detailed investigation.” The AAIB has indicated that the full investigation could take up to 12 months, as they meticulously piece together the chain of events that led to the crash. The wreckage was removed from the site on August 26, and activity at the crash site was expected to conclude by August 27, according to Hampshire police.
While the precise cause of the accident remains undetermined, the incident has raised questions about flight safety and the risks associated with private flying lessons. The Robinson R44 II, the model involved in the crash, is a popular helicopter for training and private use, but like all aircraft, its safe operation depends on a complex interplay of pilot skill, maintenance, and environmental conditions. The AAIB’s investigation will examine all these factors, but until its findings are released, the families and communities affected are left with only memories and unanswered questions.
In the meantime, the outpouring of support for the victims’ families continues. The fundraising campaign for Ms. Czoska and Mr. Kowalkowski has garnered attention both locally and internationally, as friends, colleagues, and strangers alike offer their condolences and assistance. The riding school where Ms. Czoska worked is adapting to her loss, with staff and students expressing their grief and remembering her infectious enthusiasm and kindness.
As the Isle of Wight community grapples with this tragedy, the legacy of Justyna Czoska, Wojciech Kowalkowski, and Simon Hewitt lives on in the stories, tributes, and memories shared by those who knew and loved them. Their sudden loss serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring bonds of family and friendship.
