Overview
- A Royal Navy Merlin Mk4 went down in a field at Sourton Down near Okehampton in the early hours of Wednesday, June 3, and three crew members died.
- The Ministry of Defence confirmed the deaths, informed the families who have asked for privacy, and said a formal military investigation has been launched.
- Emergency services and MoD personnel secured the scene, left several local road closures in place, and investigators continue forensic and on‑site enquiries.
- Local witnesses reported the helicopter’s engines stopping followed by a bright flash and an explosion as the aircraft crashed.
- The Merlin is used for anti‑submarine, troop lift and maritime roles and reporting has noted a 2024 Merlin Mk4 training accident as background for ongoing safety scrutiny.