Inquest Opens Into Fatal Isle of Wight Helicopter Crash Killing Three

An inquest has opened into the deaths of three people killed in a helicopter crash on the Isle of Wight on August 25, 2025. The victims, flying instructor Simon Hewitt, 54, horseriding instructor Justyna Czoska, 52, and Wojciech Kowalkowski, 49, died of multiple injuries sustained when the Robinson R44 II helicopter crashed near the A3020 Shanklin Road during a flying lesson. A fourth passenger, a man in his 30s, survived and was airlifted to University Hospital Southampton in stable condition. The post-mortem examinations were carried out by Dr. Megan Jenkins at St Mary's Hospital mortuary, with the inquests adjourned until March 5, 2026. The Air Accidents Investigation Branch has commenced an investigation expected to last about 12 months, while the helicopter operator and the Robinson Helicopter Company caution against speculation regarding the crash's cause, including pilot error. Families of the victims, some of whom are trying to repatriate bodies to Poland for burial, were not present at the inquest opening.