Couple killed in Isle of Wight helicopter crash named for first time as reason behind tragic trip revealed

Helicopter crashes in field on Isle of Wight |

GB NEWS

Isabelle Parkin

By Isabelle Parkin


Published: 26/08/2025

- 11:29

Updated: 26/08/2025

- 12:38

Three people died and a fourth was left in a serious condition after the aircraft crashed on Monday

A couple who died when a helicopter crashed in a field in the Isle of Wight during a flying lesson have been named.

Justyna Czoska and Wojtek Kowalkowski died when the aircraft came down in Ventnor at around 9.24am yesterday.


A third person, who has not yet been named, was also killed in the crash.

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Another person was taken to hospital in a serious condition, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said.

The couple from Oxfordshire, had travelled to the Isle of Wight so Mr Kowalkowski could fulfil his dream of having a flying lesson, according to the Daily Mail.

Now, a GoFundMe page has been set up by Ms Czoska's daughter, Julia Buzar, and her partner, Jacob Butler, to help pay for the pair to be brought to Poland where they will be "laid to rest with their families".

A statement on the online fundraising site reads: "On August 25, 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.

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A Go Fund Me page has been set up by family of Justyna Czoska and Wojtek Kowalkowski

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GO FUND ME

"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."

In a post to Facebook, Ms Buzar paid tribute to her mum, who was "loved by everyone".

"I have no words the world took my mum too soon", she wrote.

Emergency services rushed to the scene of the crash yesterday morning

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"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."

A spokesman for Northumbria Helicopters previously confirmed that its aircraft G-OCLV – which is listed as a Robinson R44 II helicopter – was involved in the incident during a flying lesson.

The firm said: “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 offers pilot training and flight lessons starting at £199.

Witness Leigh Goldsmith was driving towards the nearby town of Shanklin at the time of the crash.

She told the Isle of Wight County Press she saw the helicopter “spiralling” before it went out of sight and came down in a hedge.

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) said it has launched an investigation into the incident.

“An investigation has begun into an accident involving a helicopter which occurred on 25 August, a statement read.

“A team of inspectors has been sent to the accident site to gather evidence and make enquiries.”

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