Three people died when a helicopter crashed into a field and burst into flames near Cheltenham, crash investigators said.
Three people died when a helicopter crashed into a field and burst into flames near Cheltenham, crash investigators said.
The private Gazelle helicopter came down at about 1200 GMT at Langley Hill Farm, near Winchcombe, Gloucestershire.
The private Gazelle helicopter came down at about 1200 GMT at Langley Hill Farm, near Winchcombe, Gloucestershire.
Two men and a woman, all from the Midlands, died in the accident, according to Gloucestershire Police.
Two men and a woman, all from the Midlands, died in the accident, according to Gloucestershire Police.
It is believed the helicopter had been flying from Stratford-on-Avon on its way to Yeovilton, Somerset.
It is believed the helicopter had been flying from Stratford-on-Avon on its way to Yeovilton, Somerset.
Emergency crews were at the crash site, which was cordoned off as police combed the area for evidence.
The crash site was cordoned off as police combed the area for evidence. Gloucestershire Police were liaising with officials from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB).
Gloucestershire Police were liaising with officials from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB).
'Mangled metal'
'Awful tragedy'
Kevin Dickens, of Great Western Ambulance Service, said no mayday call was received before the crash.
He said: "It was just a wreck of mangled metal. It was obviously a tragic scene. People's loved ones have been killed."
He said parts of the helicopter were scattered "over some distance".
A woman employee at nearby Langley Farm, who did not want to be named, told how the helicopter came down in heavy mist.
A woman employee at nearby Langley Farm, who did not want to be named, told how the helicopter came down in heavy mist.
She added: "It's an awful tragedy and it's amazing we didn't see or hear it come down.
She added: "It's an awful tragedy and it's amazing we didn't see or hear it come down.The helicopter burst into flames on landing, police said
"We were all out and about this morning but my neighbour, Gill, came across the wreckage as she put out her animals.
"We were all out and about this morning but my neighbour, Gill, came across the wreckage as she put out her animals.
The helicopter burst into flames on landing, police said
"It was on fire and was still burning after emergency services arrived. It's a horrible situation for everyone concerned - there are ambulances and rescue crews still here now."
"It was on fire and was still burning after emergency services arrived. It's a horrible situation for everyone concerned - there are ambulances and rescue crews still here now."
Elizabeth Teague, 58, who lives on Harveys Lane, below Langley Hill, said: "We've seen a lot of activity going on, a lot of emergency vehicles.
Elizabeth Teague, 58, who lives on Harveys Lane, below Langley Hill, said: "We've seen a lot of activity going on, a lot of emergency vehicles.
"There were about six fire engines going up, an ambulance, police vehicles and there was a lot of helicopter activity.
"There were about six fire engines going up, an ambulance, police vehicles and there was a lot of helicopter activity.
"It seems like a large operation. Police have shut the end of the road."
"It seems like a large operation. Police have shut the end of the road."
She said it was not unusual to see Army or private helicopters flying in the area. The weather wasn't particularly bad. It was just a dank November day."
She said it was not unusual to see Army or private helicopters flying in the area. The weather wasn't particularly bad. It was just a dank November day."
Winchcombe vicar the Reverend John Partington said he would "do what he could" to help.
Winchcombe vicar the Reverend John Partington said he would "do what he could" to help.
Police talk about the incident
Police talk about the incident
A spokesman for Gloucestershire Police confirmed that the helicopter, an ex-military model, was not flying from nearby Gloucestershire Airport.
A spokesman for Gloucestershire Police confirmed that the helicopter, an ex-military model, was not flying from nearby Gloucestershire Airport.
An AAIB spokesman said: "The helicopter will be transported to the AAIB's facility at Farnborough, Hampshire for further examination. A report on the accident will be published in due course."
An AAIB spokesman said: "The helicopter will be transported to the AAIB's facility at Farnborough, Hampshire for further examination. A report on the accident will be published in due course."
The Gazelle is a French-designed helicopter which can hold five people, including the pilot. It has a top speed of 193mph and is used by both the military, for reconnaissance, and by private pilots.
The Gazelle is a French-designed helicopter which can hold five people, including the pilot. It has a top speed of 193mph and is used by both the military, for reconnaissance, and by private pilots.
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Are you in the area? Did you witness the crash?
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