Devon helicopter crash: Police shut major roads after Royal Navy aircraft crashes in field

A Royal Navy helicopter crashed into a field in Devon on Wednesday morning.

Emergency services are currently responding to the incident, which took place in a field at Sourton Down, near Okehampton, Devon and Cornwall Police said.

The crash happened just before 4am, and an investigation is currently underway, a Royal Navy spokesperson said.

The number and condition of people in the helicopter is currently unknown.

Several road closures are in place around the A386 and A30 Sourton Cross slip and services area.

Police first received reports of the crash at around 4.30am. A force spokesperson said: “The Ministry of Defence have confirmed it was a Royal Navy helicopter.

“The incident is ongoing and we will share more updates as we have them.”

The Okehampton area lies between the Royal Navy’s air bases at Yeovilton in Somerset and Culdrose in Cornwall.

The scene of the crash is close to Okehampton battle camp, a military facility on the edge of Dartmoor which has been used for training Merlin helicopter crews from the Commando Helicopter Force.

Police said several road closures are in place around the A386 and A30 Sourton Cross slip and services area.

Devon and Cornwall Police has advised drivers to seek alternative routes around the road closures. Travel monitoring services are reporting that traffic is “coping well” despite the road closures.

Inrix shared in a traffic bulletin: “A386 Bowerland Road Northbound closed due to police incident from A30 (Sourton Cross, Sourton Down) to A3079 Holsworthy Road (Fowley Cross). Traffic is coping well.”

The Labour MP for Plymouth Moor View said he was monitoring the situation.

Fred Thomas wrote on X: “I am aware of reports that a Royal Navy helicopter has crashed into a field in at Sourton Cross. I understand several road closures are in place around the A386 and A30 Sourton Cross slip, whilst emergency services respond to the incident.

“It would not be appropriate to comment further at this stage until the Ministry of Defence release a statement, but I am monitoring the situation and will update back here.”

A Royal Navy 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.”