Isle of Man: Helicopter pilot killed in crash due to high winds near TT race course

A helicopter pilot has died in a crash on the Isle of Man during high winds.

The 48-year-old, from Lincolnshire, was the only person on board the privately-owned helicopter when it came down at about 09:00 BST, police said.

He had dropped off two passengers shortly before the crash in the Baldwin Valley, near the 33rd Milestone, Isle of Man Constabulary said.

Police said the pilot of the Bell Jet Ranger aircraft suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Detective Det Insp Steve Maddocks of the Isle of Man Constabulary said the aircraft crashed into the fields near the 33rd Milestone of the Snaefell Mountain Course used in the Isle of Man TT race, according to BBC News.

The annual TT motorbiking racing festival was due to start this weekend, but the opening race was delayed by fierce winds.

The six-lap Superbike event has now been postponed until Sunday, 7 June.

Mountain Road has been closed between Ramsey and Creg Ny Raa until further notice while the cause of the crash is being investigated by police, the Isle of Man Rescue Service and air crash investigators.

Detective Inspector Steve Maddocks told the Isle of Man Today: "We are currently with an incident involving a helicopter crashing into the valley just off the Mountain Road, near the 33rd Milestone.

"We, together with our colleagues from the fire service and air crash investigators are trying to establish the cause of the crash.

"It is believed that one person, a man believed to be a non-island resident, is currently being dealt with by officers.

"The aircraft has crashed into the fields and there were no other people, vehicles or properties involved.

"As you can understand we are in the early stages of our investigation and once I am able to provide further details I will do so.

"The Mountain Road is currently closed between Ramsey and the Creg ny Baa and will remain closed until further notice."