Royal Navy helicopter crashes into field in Devon as video reveals huge fire after chopper burst into flames in mid-air

A ROYAL Navy helicopter turned into a “fireball in mid air” before crashing to the ground and exploding in flames, an eye witness said.

The aircraft was flying over Sourton in Devon at around 4am when it caught on fire, according to a hospital worker.

Louise, 32, was driving home from her night shift along the A30 when she witnessed the disaster.

She said: “I saw a ball of fire in the sky.

“It crashed into the field and then exploded. It was terrifying. I don’t think anyone could have survived that.

“It all happened so quickly.”

The mum-of-one said she noticed the flaming chopper “pointing nose down towards the ground” before it plummeted.

The helicopter is thought to be an Agusta Westland Merlin and can carry up to three crew and 24 fully laden troops.

Publicly available flight records suggest it came down on farmland north of Sourton Down near the A386 and A30.

The area is just west of Dartmoor and nearby Okehampton Battle Camp which is used extensively to train Royal Marine commandos and for navigation training for helicopter pilots.

Louise added: “It looked like a missile. It hit the ground and there was a huge explosion and then flames.

“I pulled over in a layby and watched. It was a horrible sight.

“I stayed there for about 10 or 15 minutes and watched as all the police and fire engines arrived.

“I was trying to work out what it was and then realised it was a helicopter. I was like, what the hell has happened.

“I was on the phone to my partner at the time as we have a young baby at home. It was really scary.”

A nearby helipad described the weather as “gloopy” with strong winds, poor visibility and showers.

Emergency services were scrambled to the crash site and closed several roads in the surrounding area including Sourton Services.

Shocking video filmed in the aftermath of the crash showed the helicopter burning on the ground while firefighters tried to tackle the blaze.

Pictures taken later showed the smouldering blackened remains of the downed chopper.

Part of the tailfin and rotor, a main rotor blade, and a wheel could be seen among the debris.

The Royal Navy has two air bases close to Devon – RNAS Culdrose near Helston, Cornwall, and RNAS Yeovilton in Somerset – which houses more than 100 aircraft.

Speaking at Prime Minister’s Questions, Sir Keir Starmer addressed the collision.

He said: “I am aware of a Royal Navy helicopter crash this morning in Devon.

“This will be a deeply worrying time for the families, and more information will be set out as soon as possible.”

The cause of the crash remains unknown, with the Royal Navy confirming it was investigating the incident.

A spokesperson said: “An incident occurred involving a Royal Navy helicopter just before 0400 on Wednesday 3 June near Sourton, Devon.

“An investigation is underway and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.”

A witness, who lives near the crash site, said he was awoken about 4am by a loud noise.

He said: “It sounded as if the helicopter was not right as it flew over the house.

“It was so low it almost took the roof of the house off.”

He added that it sounded like it was clearly in trouble and it sounded like it was mechanically failing.

Locals said they heard several helicopters in the area last night, with some saying they later heard explosions.

Devon and Cornwall Police said: “Police were notified at approximately 3.45am this morning, Wednesday 3 June, following reports of a crash involving a Royal Navy helicopter in a field at Sourton Down, near Okehampton in Devon.

“The incident resulted in a multi-agency response with emergency services still on scene. The Ministry of Defence are also in attendance.

“Several road closures remain in place in the area, including around the A386 and at the A30 Sourton Cross slip road and services area.

“Motorists are advised to avoid the area where possible and seek alternative routes.

“Our enquiries remain ongoing at the scene. Please contact the Ministry of Defence for further information going forward.”