A COUPLE who were killed in a tragic helicopter crash have been pictured as tributes pour in.
Disaster struck when the chopper “spiralled” to the ground on Monday near the A3020 Shanklin Road, on the Isle of Wight .
The horror unfolded during a flying lesson at around 9.30am, with four people on board including the pilot.
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.
A has now been set up for a mum and her partner who tragically lost their lives, Justyna Czoska, 49, and Wojtek Kowalkowski, 52.
The couple, from Banbury, Oxford, had been on a Bank Holiday daytrip and horse-riding instructor Justyna treated lorry driver Wojtek to the lesson.
Devastated daughter Julia 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.”
A heartbreaking 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.”
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.”
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.”
Northumbria Helicopters offers a range of charter flights and pilot training on its website.
Customers can purchase gift experiences for helicopter trial lessons as well as sightseeing tours.
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.”
