drie marinebemanningsleden omgekomen bij helikoptercrash in devon tijdens training

2026-06-03 buitenland

Devon, woensdag, 3 juni 2026.
Een Royal Navy Merlin HC4 helikopter is vroeg in de ochtend van 3 juni gecrasht op Sourton Down in Devon. Het toestel, onderweg tussen militaire bases, stortte neer tijdens een routine trainingsoefening. Drie bemanningsleden kwamen om. Getuigen hoorden een luide knal en zagen een rode flits vooraleer de motoren abrupt zwegen. Beelden tonen alleen nog een verwoeste romp; brand vernietigde het merendeel van het toestel. De identiteit van de slachtoffers wordt niet vrijgegeven uit respect voor hun familie. Een grondig onderzoek naar de oorzaak is gestart. Dit is de tweede ernstige incident met een Merlin binnen twee jaar.

crash in england claims lives of three royal navy personnel

A Royal Navy Merlin HC4 helicopter crashed near Sourton Down in Devon, England, just before 04:00 on Wednesday, 3 June 2026 [1]. The aircraft, assigned to 846 Naval Air Squadron, was conducting a training exercise when it went down [2]. Three crew members lost their lives in the accident [3]. The wreckage showed extensive fire damage, leaving only parts like the tail rotor intact [4]. Families of the deceased have been notified and asked for privacy during a designated grace period [5].

emergency response and public reaction

Local authorities quickly cordoned off the crash site near Okehampton, closing sections of the A386 and A30 roads [1]. Witnesses described hearing a loud bang followed by a bright red flash lighting up the sky [6]. Resident Eddie Amhof recalled the helicopter making a ‘horrendous noise’ before falling silent abruptly [6]. Emergency responders arrived promptly, though the severity of the impact and subsequent fire left little chance for survival [4]. Public attention remains focused on the official investigation into the cause [5].

investigation focuses on aging merlin fleet

The cause of the crash remains undetermined pending a formal inquiry [1]. Investigators face challenges due to the destruction of critical flight data systems by fire [4]. This incident marks the second fatal crash involving a Royal Navy Merlin HC4 in less than two years, following a similar event off Dorset in September 2024 [7]. Both aircraft were part of upgraded but aging fleets undergoing modernization programs [7]. Safety concerns may prompt reviews of maintenance protocols and operational procedures across the Commando Helicopter Force [7].

strategic importance of regional military infrastructure

The crash site lies between key Royal Navy aviation hubs at RNAS Culdrose in Cornwall and RNAS Yeovilton in Somerset [1]. RNAS Culdrose serves as the primary base for Merlin helicopter operations and training [3]. Nearby HMNB Devonport in Plymouth is Western Europe’s largest naval base, supporting surface vessels including Type-23 frigates [1]. The proximity of these facilities underscores the intensity of regular training exercises conducted across the Dartmoor region [1]. Such activity places demands on both equipment and personnel readiness [7].

Bronnen

helikoptercrash Royal Navy