Full Breakdown
Royal Navy Merlin Mk4 Crash Kills Three in Devon
6/5/2026, 2:16:30 AM
The Fatal Incident
A Royal Navy Merlin Mk4 helicopter crashed in a field near Sourton, Devon, at about 03:45 BST on 3 June 2026 during a night-time training exercise. All three crew members were killed.
Background
The Merlin Mk4, operated by the Commando Helicopter Force, provides amphibious lift, anti-submarine capability and troop transport for the Royal Marines. Night and low-level flying are recognised as high-risk operations.
Personnel
The dead were Lieutenant Commander Chris Gayson (42), a veteran pilot and Operational Conversion Flight Commander; Lieutenant Lily-Mae Fisher (31), the only serving female Royal Navy commando; and Petty Officer Owen Green (24), an aircrewman with Arctic-mission experience.
Timeline
At 03:45 BST the helicopter was reported missing; witnesses heard abnormal engine noise. By 03:50 police declared a major incident and emergency crews arrived. At 04:10 the Ministry of Defence confirmed three fatalities and notified families. A condolence statement followed from Admiral Sir Gwyn Jenkins.
Data
The Merlin Mk4 is a three-engine, medium-lift helicopter normally crewed by four and able to carry up to 24 troops. It is used for amphibious assault, anti-submarine warfare, search-and-rescue and cargo transfer.
Official Statements & Responses
The Ministry of Defence confirmed the crash, said families requested a period of grace, and announced an investigation by the Defence Accident Investigation Branch. The Royal Navy said comment would be inappropriate. Defence Secretary John Healey called the loss devastating; Prime Minister Keir Starmer called it utterly tragic. The Princess of Wales expressed deep sadness, and Admiral Sir Gwyn Jenkins and Colonel Will Penkman offered condolences.
On-the-Ground Reports
Local resident Eddie Amhof, 81, said he heard a “horrendous noise” from the helicopter, then an abrupt silence and a “flash of red” that lit the sky. Another witness, “Louise”, described the aircraft as “pointing nose down towards the ground” before it exploded.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Early coverage varied on the crash time (03:45 BST versus “just before 04:00”) and on whether the aircraft was a Merlin Mk4, with some outlets initially withholding the type. The cause remains unknown and no casualty figures beyond the three crew have been released.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Our deepest condolences to your family and friends.” — Admiral Sir Gwyn Jenkins
- “They served with excellence and will be much missed,” — John Healey, Defence Secretary
- “utterly tragic” — Sir Keir Starmer, Prime Minister
- “cherished members” — Colonel Will Penkman, CO of Commando Helicopter Force
Why It Matters
The accident highlights the risks of night-time military flight training and may prompt reviews of safety procedures. It also affects the Commando Helicopter Force’s operational readiness and has a profound impact on the families and local community.
What’s Next
The Defence Accident Investigation Branch will lead a formal inquiry, with interim findings to be released as they become available. Families have been offered specialist support, and the Ministry of Defence pledged further updates as the investigation proceeds.
