Royal Navy helicopter crashes in Devon
Emergency services respond to incident near Sourton Down
Last updated 3rd Jun 2026
A Royal Navy helicopter has crashed into a field in Sourton Down, near Okehampton, Devon.
Emergency services are currently at the scene, with several road closures implemented around the A386 and A30 Sourton Cross slip and services area.
"The incident is ongoing and we will share more updates as we have them," said a Devon and Cornwall Police spokesman.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer told MPs it was a “deeply worrying time” for the families of those involved in the Royal Navy helicopter crash in Devon
The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the aircraft involved in the crash was a Royal Navy helicopter.
The spokesperson gave no further details, adding: “An investigation is under way and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.”
The 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.
Devon and Cornwall Police said: "Police were notified at approximately 3.45am this morning, Wednesday 3 June, following reports of a crash involving a Royal Navy helicopter in a field at Sourton Down, near Okehampton in Devon.
"The incident resulted in a multi-agency response with emergency services still on scene. The Ministry of Defence are also in attendance.
"Several road closures remain in place in the area, including around the A386 and at the A30 Sourton Cross slip road and services area.
"Motorists are advised to avoid the area where possible and seek alternative routes.
"Our enquiries remain ongoing at the scene."
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said: "Seven fire appliances from six stations, including one from Cornwall, were mobilised to an incident involving a military helicopter at Sourton Down in the early hours of this morning.
"Crews worked to extinguish the fire in the field adjacent to the A30 and supported the wider multi-agency response.
"Several specialist resources were also deployed, including an Environmental Protection Unit, Welfare Unit, Command Unit and an Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team. One appliance remains at the scene."