Three Royal Navy personnel lost their lives after a Royal Navy AgustaWestland Merlin HC4 helicopter crashed during a training exercise in Devon, England, in the early hours of June 3, 2026. The tragic accident occurred shortly before 4:00 a.m. local time near Sourton Down, close to Okehampton.
According to the UK Ministry of Defence, the aircraft involved was Merlin HC4 helicopter ZJ131, operated by the Commando Helicopter Force based at Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton. The unit provides aviation support to the Royal Marines during training and operational missions.
Local residents reported hearing multiple explosions before the crash. One witness described hearing a “horrendous noise” moments before the helicopter went down. Images from the scene showed the aircraft was almost completely destroyed by the resulting fire, leaving little of the airframe intact.
The accident has prompted an outpouring of condolences from senior government officials. John Healey said he was “devastated” by the loss of the three service members, while Keir Starmer described the incident as “utterly tragic.” The identities of the deceased personnel have not yet been released as authorities continue to notify their families.
An investigation into the cause of the crash is expected to begin immediately as military officials work to determine what led to the fatal training accident.
