Three Royal Navy crew killed in Devon helicopter crash
A Royal Navy Merlin MK4 helicopter crashed during a training flight in Sourton, Devon, killing Petty Officer Owen Green, 24, and two officers. The incident occurred just before 4am on Wednesday, prompting an emergency response and an investigation.
Three Royal Navy aviators were killed early Wednesday when their Merlin MK4 helicopter crashed during a training flight in Sourton, Devon. The aircraft went down just before 4am, triggering an emergency response from local police and rescue services.
Among the victims was Petty Officer Owen Green, 24, of Hampshire, who had joined the Royal Navy in January 2022. Green, a Junglie Aircrewman, earned his Aircrewman Wings in June 2025 and was promoted to Leading Hand three months later. He participated in major exercises including Hades Warrior and Wyvern Tor 26, and was deployed on Operation Clockwork 26, where he achieved the highest flying hours in Arctic conditions.
📋 By The Numbers
- January 2022 — PO Green enlisted in the Royal Navy
- June 2025 — Earned Aircrewman Wings
- September 2025 — Promoted to Leading Hand
- Operation Clockwork 26 — Recorded highest flying hours in Arctic conditions
Also killed were Lieutenant Commander Chris Gayson and Lieutenant Lily-Mae Fisher, both serving with the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm. The crash occurred as the crew conducted a routine training exercise, according to a statement from the Ministry of Defence.
Key Points
- ✅ Three Royal Navy crew killed in Merlin MK4 crash near Okehampton, Devon
- ⚡ Incident occurred just before 4am during a training flight
- 💡 PO Owen Green, 24, had earned Aircrewman Wings in 2025
The Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, expressed deep sadness over the tragedy, calling it "utterly tragic." Air Vice-Marshal Lee Turner, commander of Joint Aviation Command, described the loss as "profoundly saddening" and said the aviators would be greatly missed. Green’s family released a statement describing him as a devoted son, brother, and partner whose warmth touched everyone he met.
💡 Pro Tip
For military families coping with loss, the Royal Navy’s welfare support network offers confidential counseling and financial assistance. Contact details are available through the Service Families Federations.
Emergency services were alerted at approximately 3:45am after reports of a crash at Sourton Down. Images from the scene showed a severely damaged aircraft, and investigators have begun work to determine the cause. The incident has raised concerns about training safety protocols, prompting an internal review by the Royal Navy.
| Aspect | Victim 1 | Victim 2 | Victim 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Name | PO Owen Green | Lt Cdr Chris Gayson | Lt Lily-Mae Fisher |
| Rank | Petty Officer | Lieutenant Commander | Lieutenant |
| Role | Aircrewman | Pilot | Co-pilot |
| Age | 24 | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
Green’s family confirmed his passion for service, stating he had achieved his lifelong goal of joining the Royal Navy. His achievements included deployments in extreme environments and a reputation for professionalism. The Royal Navy has launched a full investigation into the crash, with preliminary focus on technical and procedural factors.
- 📊 The Merlin MK4 fleet is used for troop transport, search and rescue, and training missions
- 🔍 Investigators are examining flight data and maintenance records
- ⚠️ The crash is the second fatal incident involving a Merlin MK4 in two years
The loss has sent shockwaves through the Fleet Air Arm, where Green was known for his dedication. Colleagues described him as a natural leader with an ability to inspire others. The incident has also drawn attention to the risks faced by military aviators during training, where margins for error are minimal. The Royal Navy has pledged full transparency as the investigation proceeds.