Royal Navy helicopter crashes into Devon field near Okehampton, emergency services deployed
A Royal Navy helicopter crashed into a field in Sourton Down, near Okehampton in Devon, southwest England, in the early hours of Wednesday morning. Emergency services are at the scene and an investigation has been launched.
The crash
A helicopter belonging to Britain's Royal Navy crashed into a field in the Sourton Down area of Devon, near the town of Okehampton, on Wednesday 3 June. The incident occurred at around 4:00 a.m. local time, according to the Royal Navy and multiple British media reports. The aircraft came down in a rural area close to a military facility frequently used for helicopter training by the Commando Helicopter Force.
Emergency response
Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed that emergency services were deployed to the scene and that the incident was ongoing. Several roads in the vicinity were closed, including sections of the A30 and A386, causing significant traffic disruption. Transport authorities estimated that the restrictions could remain in place until midday. A local petrol station also reported an interruption to its operations.
The incident is ongoing and we will provide more information as we receive it. The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that it was a Royal Navy helicopter.
Investigation and unknowns
The Royal Navy stated that an investigation into the circumstances of the crash is underway. A spokesperson for the service said it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage. The fate of the helicopter's crew remains unknown, with no official information released on casualties or survivors as of mid-morning.
An investigation is underway, and it would be inappropriate to make further comment at this time.
Military context
The crash site lies in a region dense with naval and military infrastructure. Nearby bases include RNAS Culdrose, described as one of the largest helicopter bases in Europe, and RNAS Yeovilton, which hosts over 100 aircraft. Plymouth, home to the largest naval base in western Europe, is also in the vicinity, along with RM Tamar, CTCRM Lympstone, and BRNC Dartmouth. The area around Okehampton is routinely used for helicopter crew training exercises. The specific type of helicopter involved has not been confirmed, though the Royal Navy's two main rotary-wing platforms are the Merlin and the Wildcat.
- Royal Navy helicopter crashes into a field at Sourton Down, near Okehampton, Devon.
- Emergency services are deployed to the scene. Police confirm the incident is ongoing.
- Royal Navy confirms the crash and announces an investigation is underway.
- Road closures on the A30 and A386 expected to remain in place until at least midday.
