Three people died and one was seriously injured in a helicopter crash on the Isle of Wight during a flying lesson on Monday morning. The incident occurred shortly before 9:30 a.m. local time, according to authorities.

The helicopter, identified as a Robinson R44 II, took off from Sandown Airport with a pilot and three passengers on board. Approximately 24 minutes into the flight, the aircraft crashed in a field near a road in the Shanklin area. Emergency services responded quickly to the scene, where they found the helicopter significantly damaged.

The seriously injured survivor was airlifted to the trauma center at University Hospital Southampton. Eyewitness Leigh Goldsmith reported seeing the helicopter spiral down into a hedge while she was driving.

Northumbria Helicopters, the operator of the aircraft, confirmed that they are cooperating with the investigation. The U.K.'s Air Accidents Investigation Branch has dispatched a team of inspectors to gather evidence and conduct inquiries into the crash.

As of now, the cause of the accident remains unknown. The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary has not released further details about the victims involved. This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.