Three Royal Navy members killed in Devon helicopter crash

June 3, 2026, by Fatima Bahtić

Three members of the Royal Navy have died following a helicopter training exercise that ended in a crash near Sourton Down, Devon, in the early hours of June 3.

The incident prompted a large-scale response involving emergency services, military personnel and government authorities after the aircraft came down in a field near Okehampton.

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According to Devon & Cornwall Police, officers were notified at approximately 3:45 a.m. local time following reports of a military helicopter crash near Sourton Down. Police, fire and ambulance crews were dispatched to the scene alongside representatives from the UK Ministry of Defense (MoD).

Royal Navy helicopter crashes in Devon

Operations

In a statement issued later on Wednesday, the Royal Navy confirmed that three service members lost their lives in the accident.

“We are incredibly sad to report that three members of the Royal Navy have died during a helicopter training exercise near Sourton, Devon in the early hours of Wednesday, 3 June,” the service said.

The Royal Navy added that the families of the deceased personnel have been informed and are receiving specialist support. It also expressed condolences to their loved ones.

Emergency responders remained at the site throughout the day as authorities began investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. Several roads in the area were closed to facilitate emergency operations and investigative work.

The cause of the accident remains under investigation.