Three dead after Royal Navy helicopter crashes into a field in Devon

The helicopter crashed in a field in Devon, around 30 miles west of Exeter (Picture: Plymouth Plus)
Three Royal Navy personnel have been killed after their helicopter crashed into a field overnight.

The Ministry of Defence has confirmed they died while taking part in a training exercise.

Witnesses described hearing a series of explosions and a second helicopter hovering in the area between 3am and 4am today.

Pictures from the scene show the tailfin lying beside the charred remains of what is believed to be a Merlin aircraft.

The Royal Navy helicopter went up in flames after crashing onto the field, destroying most of the aircraft (Picture: The Sun)

Eddie Amhof, who lives near the accident site, told ITV he said an ‘almighty flash of red which lit up the sky’ after the noise of a helicopter suddenly cut out.

He said: ‘I heard this horrendous noise from a helicopter, it sounded like he was going to pitch on the roof. It was a terrible noise.

‘By the time I got out of bed, and got to the window, he’d moved away about half-a-mile.

‘And all of a sudden, no noise at all. The engines was gone.’

Only the tail of the helicopter was left intact after crash and ensuing fire which destroyed the fuselage (Picture: PA Wire)
One witness wrote on social media: ‘Heard a helicopter very low around us at 3.30 this morning, looked out, no lights, but sounds going towards Okehampton! Hope all ok.’

Another said: ‘Thought there was a loud bang at 3 this morning.’

One person staying nearby in a van said: ‘Got woken up by this in my van, was so low my van was shaking.’

The ground around the helicopter appears scorched following the crash (Picture: SWNS)
Footage shows towering flames raging on a field where the aircraft came down, with the fire and smoke visible for miles in the night sky.

A Merlin Mk4 helicopter, the model believed to have been involved, can carry four crew and up to 24 soldiers.

The A30 and A3079 close to the crash site and a filling station have been closed while emergency crews and investigators carry out their work following the crash at around 3.45am.

‘Huge shock to naval community’

General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, the head of the Navy, said: ‘I know this will come as a huge shock to all in our naval community, and my deepest condolences go out to the families, friends and loved ones impacted by this tragedy.’

Defence Secretary John Healey said: ‘I am devastated by the loss of three service personnel overnight. They served with excellence and will be much missed.

‘All our thoughts are with their families, friends and those they served with at this incredibly sad time.’

The Prime Minister has issued a tribute to the Navy personnel killed in the crash: ‘I’m deeply saddened to hear that three members of the Royal Navy have died following a helicopter crash this morning in Devon.

‘My thoughts are with their families, friends and loved ones at this time.

‘Thank you to all the emergency services responding to this horrific incident.’

The Royal Navy confirmed the aircraft was one of its helicopters and said it crashed near the A30 at Sourton shortly before 4am.

A spokesman said: ‘An investigation is underway and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.’

Emergency services at the scene of the crash (Picture: Plymouth Plus)
Speaking at Prime Minister’s Questions today, Sir Keir Starmer said he was aware of the crash.

He said: ‘This will be a deeply worrying time for the families and more information will be set out as soon as possible.’

Devon and Cornwall Police said they were in control of the incident scene and would share updates.

The type of aircraft involved in the crash is understood to have been a Merlin helicopter (file image) (Picture: AFP/Getty Images)
Aviation tracking website Flightradar24 shows an AgustaWestland Merlin HC4 helicopter flying in the Okehampton area shortly after 2am before it disappears from the radar.

The Royal Navy mainly operates two types of helicopters, the Merlin and Wildcat.

Merlins come in two variations, the Mk2 featuring underwater sonar and weapons capabilities, and the Mk4 nicknamed the ‘Junglies’ used for commando operations.

Where are the Royal Navy bases in Devon?

Devon and Cornwall are home to several Royal Navy bases, including the HMND Devonport, the largest naval base in western Europe.

The Devonport base is around 30 miles south of Sourton Down, and it is where the majority of the Royal Navy’s frigates, Britain’s biggest amphibious ships, and research vessels are docked.

Other sites near the helicopter crash site include RMB Chivenor in Braunton, which houses the Commando Logistics Regiment Royal Marines, 24 Commando Regiment Royal Engineers, and the 22 Squadron ‘A’ Flight Search and Rescue Force RAF.

South of Okehampton lies the RM Bickleigh Barracks, located near Plymouth, with the 42 Commando Royal Marines based there.

The smaller Wildcat can land directly on Royal Navy frigates and it is kitted with missiles and torpedoes.

Navy helicopters have been involved in accidents before.

SOURCE: https://metro.co.uk/2026/06/03/helicopter-crashes-a-field-near-major-a-road-28628309/