Tribute to 'dedicated' pilot after helicopter crash

Simon Hewitt was one of three people who died in a helicopter crash on the Isle of Wight on Bank Holiday Monday

A further tribute has been paid to a pilot who was among three people who died in a helicopter crash on the Isle of Wight.

Pilot Simon Hewitt and passengers Justyna Czoska and Wojciech Kowalkowski were killed when their R44 aircraft came down near Shanklin on Monday during a flying lesson.

A spokesperson for his former employer, EBG Helicopters, said Mr Hewitt was admired for his "calm presence, technical expertise, and genuine love for flying".

It comes after the helicopter's manufacturer, Robinson, was criticised for releasing a statement suggesting pilot error might have been to blame for the crash.

In its original statement, Robinson said: "While we understand there are many questions about what caused this accident, we do not have enough information to speak with any certainty at this time.

"What is definitive is that in 80-plus percent of situations, outcomes of these accidents are ruled as pilot error, rather than mechanical failure."

'Deeply insensitive'

In response, Northumbria Helicopters said the suggestion was "premature" and "deeply insensitive" to the family of 54-year-old Mr Hewitt.

Robinson then issued a revised statement on Thursday, which said while "unintended pilot error and other human factors are the typical cause of general aviation accidents... we cannot make any assumptions about the manufacturer, the helicopter, the pilot, the operator or the maintenance team at these early stages".

The remains of the helicopter were taken away on Tuesday

In a statement on Thursday, EBG Helicopters said Mr Hewitt had been "a a dedicated commercial helicopter pilot and instructor" with a "deep passion for aviation".

"His work with EBG Helicopters allowed him to share that passion with others, whether by providing transport, aerial tours, or pilot training," the spokesperson said.

"Colleagues remember him not only for his professionalism and skill but also for his warmth, humility and friendliness."

Mr Hewitt's family previously said they had been left "absolutely broken" by his death, describing him as "the most wonderful, intelligent, kind man and father".

Ms Czoska and Mr Kowalkowski were both from Banbury in Oxfordshire

The helicopter left Sandown Airport on the Isle of Wight at 09:00 BST on Monday 25 August, with four people on board.

Witnesses reported the aircraft spiralling before crashing in a field alongside the A3020 at 09:20.

Mr Hewitt died in the crash, alongside 52-year-old Ms Czoska and 49-year-old Mr Kowalkowski, who were both from Banbury, Oxfordshire.

A fourth person is still in hospital.

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has started an investigation into what happened, but said it was likely to take 12 months.