The Isle of Wight community, alongside grieving family and friends in Oxfordshire and abroad, is mourning the loss of three lives following Monday’s devastating helicopter crash near Shanklin. Authorities have now formally identified two of the victims as 52-year-old Justyna Czoska and 49-year-old Wojtek Kowalkowski, a couple from Bloxham, Oxfordshire. Police also confirmed that the helicopter’s pilot, whose name has not yet been released, perished in the accident.
The tragedy unfolded shortly after 9:30 a.m. on Monday, August 25, 2025, when a Robinson R44 II helicopter lifted off from Sandown Airport. Witnesses reported that the aircraft appeared to struggle at an altitude of around 800 feet above Apse Heath. Within moments, it spiraled uncontrollably before crashing into a hedgerow along the A3020 Shanklin Road, leaving onlookers shocked and emergency services scrambling to the scene.
Despite the swift response of paramedics, fire crews, and the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, three occupants were pronounced dead at the crash site. A fourth passenger, a man who has not been identified, miraculously survived but sustained critical injuries. He was airlifted to Southampton’s Major Trauma Centre, where he continues to receive emergency treatment.
A Couple Deeply Loved by Family and Friends
Justyna and Wojtek, both originally from Poland, had built a life together in Oxfordshire while maintaining close ties to their homeland. Loved ones described them as warm, kind, and deeply devoted to their family and community. Their sudden deaths have left relatives and friends in shock.
A family spokesperson shared heartfelt words:
“This sudden and devastating event has left all of us heartbroken and struggling to cope with the loss. Justyna and Wojtek were not only beloved family members but also pillars of strength and kindness to everyone who knew them. Their absence will be felt forever.”
To support the grieving family, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help repatriate Justyna and Wojtek’s bodies back to Poland and assist with funeral arrangements. The fundraiser has already begun to receive contributions from friends, colleagues, and compassionate strangers moved by the tragedy.
Investigation Underway
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has launched a full investigation into the cause of the crash. While mechanical failure, weather conditions, and pilot error are all factors under review, officials have cautioned that it may take weeks or even months before a clear picture emerges of what led to the disaster.
Authorities have cordoned off the crash site while forensic teams continue to examine the wreckage. Police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or has video footage to come forward, as their accounts could prove crucial to the ongoing inquiry.
A Community in Mourning
News of the crash has sent ripples of grief through the Isle of Wight and beyond. Locals who saw the aircraft moments before impact have described scenes of chaos, while others have expressed deep sorrow for the families affected. In Oxfordshire, the loss of Justyna and Wojtek has devastated friends and neighbors, who remember them as a loving couple full of life and laughter.
As tributes continue to pour in both from the UK and Poland, the focus remains on supporting the survivors and honoring the memories of those who were lost. The pilot, whose identity remains undisclosed, is also being remembered by colleagues within the aviation community as a skilled and experienced flyer whose own life ended far too soon.
Final Farewell
For many, the crash is a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the unpredictable nature of tragedy. While investigations work toward uncovering answers, the families of the victims are left to grapple with a grief that words can scarcely describe.
In the days ahead, vigils and memorial services are expected to be held, both in the UK and Poland, as loved ones come together to say their final goodbyes to Justyna and Wojtek.
Their legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew them best — as a devoted couple who shared love, laughter, and compassion until their final moments together.