Father is named as third victim of Isle of Wight helicopter crash

Published: 19:08, 26 August 2025 | Updated: 19:39, 26 August 2025

A father has been named as the third victim in a helicopter crash on the Isle of Wight, as tributes pour in for those who died in yesterday's incident.

Simon Hewitt, 54, from Barton-upon-Humber, Linconshire alongside horse riding instructor Justyna Czoska, 52, and lorry driver Wojtek Kowalkowski, 49, both from Banbury, Hampshire Constabulary confirmed today.

The aircraft is said to have 'spiralled' and smashed into a field near the A3020 Shanklin Road just before 9.30am on August 25.

Four people, including the pilot, were onboard the helicopter, with a man, in his 30s, being airlifted to hospital where he remains in a stable condition.

The helicopter had taken off from Sandown Airport at around 9am before crashing around 20 minutes later.

Flight data suggests it climbed to an altitude of about 800 feet before an issue occurred. From that point it was about 27 seconds before it hit the ground.

Tributes from the heartbroken families of the father and couple who lost their lives in the crash have poured in.

Mr Hewitt's family and partner described him as the 'most wonderful, intelligent, and kind man and father.'

'He bought so much joy and light into our lives. we are absolutely broken,' they said.

Simon Hewitt, 54, from Barton-upon-Humber, Linconshire was confirmed to have lost his life in the incident, by Hampshire Constabulary

The couple from Bloxham, Oxfordshire, had travelled to the island so Mr Kowalkowski could have a flying lesson - something he had always dreamed of

A police and crime commissioner has shared her 'deepest condolences' to the families of three people who died in a helicopter crash on the Isle of Wight

In a heartfelt statement Ms Czoska's family and daughter's spoke of their heartbreak amid their 'beautiful and funny' mother's death.

'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,' they said.

'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 described him as the 'father of two loving children' who 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.'

The couple from Bloxham, Oxfordshire, had travelled to the island so Mr Kowalkowski could have a flying lesson for his birthday - something he had always dreamed of.

It had taken off from Sandown Airport 20 minutes earlier. One other person also died while a fourth was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Miss Czoska's daughter Julia Buzar, 22, spoke to her mother just moments before she boarded.

Justyna Czoska, 52, and lorry driver Wojtek Kowalkowski, 49, right and far right, who were killed.

Pictured with Ms Czoska's daughter Julia who was not on board.

Miss Czoska was described as 'the best mum you could ask for, loved by everyone' by her daughter Julia.

A short time later, police knocked on the door of her mother's house where she was looking after her dog to tell her the helicopter had crashed.

Miss Buzar said the helicopter ride had been a birthday present to her stepfather Mr Kowalkowski. She said he had always wanted to fly in a helicopter.

She said: 'We are heartbroken. It's really hard as my mum was my only real family.

It's a terrible time.'

Writing online, Miss Buzar said: '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 would be writing something like this. Please if anyone can help bring them back to Poland so they can be with their families it would mean the world to me.'

Miss Buzar's partner Jacob Butler, who has set up a GoFundMe page to pay for the couple's bodies to be taken back to their native Poland [2], said Ms Czoska was 'an amazing woman'.

'She was such a great person with a big heart,' he said. 'An amazing, kind loving person.'

He said Miss Buzar was 'devastated' struggling to come to terms with what had happened.

He said all the family including Miss Buzar had 'chipped in' so Mr Kowalkowski could have a flying lesson.

Writing on GoFundMe, he added: '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.'

Ms Czoska had worked at Turpins Lodge Riding School in Hook Norton, Oxfordshire, since March 2024.

In a statement, the riding school said: 'Justyna was very well liked at Turpins Lodge by staff and by customers.

'Justyna was cheerful, reliable and conscientious. She will leave a huge hole to fill.

'Our thoughts go out to Justyna's daughters, family and friends.

'We will endeavour to carry on as normally as possible but there may have to be some changes to lessons while we adapt to this very sad situation.'

The helicopter was today removed from the field on the Isle of Wight which it crashed into.

Images taken on Tuesday afternoon showed a JCB telehandler lifting the aircraft up and onto a lorry.

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) said the investigation into the crash was likely to take 12 months.

A spokesperson said: '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.'

Donna Jones, police and crime commissioner, descried it as a 'heartbreaking day for the Isle of Wight'.

She also praised the emergency services for their swift response and said the devastating incident has 'deeply shocked' the community.

She 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.'

This is a breaking news [3] story.

Updates to follow.

References

^ SHANNON MCGUIGAN, NEWS REPORTER (www.dailymail.co.uk)
^ who has set up a GoFundMe page to pay for the couple's bodies to be taken back to their native Poland (www.gofundme.com)
^ breaking news (www.dailymail.co.uk)