The Defence Accident Investigation Branch is investigating a Royal Navy helicopter crash that killed three personnel during a training exercise in Devon.
The incident occurred at approximately 03:45 BST on Wednesday in a field in Sourton near Okehampton.
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Emergency services and accident investigators remain at the site, where wreckage of the Merlin Mk4 helicopter is visible.
Floodlights were installed to allow investigation teams to sustain their operations overnight as initial findings from the Civil Aviation Authority confirmed the specialized defense branch would handle the inquiry.
The three deceased crew members have not yet been publicly identified.
Tributes have been paid by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, head of the navy General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, and the Princess of Wales in her capacity as Commodore-in-Chief of the Fleet Air Arm.
Floral tributes accumulate at the local incident command station.
"Our deepest condolences to your family and friends," read a note left at the scene.
"Thank you for your service," wrote another floral tribute at the site.
Community groups also expressed their grief through social media channels.
The localized military community shared messages of support following an official statement released by the navy online.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and colleagues of those who sadly lost their lives.
May they RIP," stated the Yeovilton Military Wives Choir.
Online aviation enthusiasts also expressed their condolences.
"I would like to extend our most sincere condolences at the loss of the three Merlin aircrew," said Clive Saunders, posting on behalf of the RNAS Yeovilton and RNAS Culdrose Facebook Spotters Group.
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"All of our thoughts and prayers are with their families and friends at this incredibly sad time," added Saunders.
"We also very humbly thank them for their selfless and dedicated service and know they will never be forgotten," stated Saunders.
The aircraft involved belonged to a fleet typically based at Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton in Somerset.
Defence experts noted that the Merlin Mk4 operates as a triple-engine tactical transport helicopter originally utilized by the Royal Air Force before transitioning to the Royal Marines a decade ago.
"Flying military helicopters at night, even on home turf, is inherently dangerous," said Tim Ripley, editor of Defence Eye.
"There is a risk that comes with this type of flying helicopters at night and at low level," added Ripley.
"It's a dangerous activity wherever you do it, let alone in a foreign battlefield," stated Ripley.
Local residents reported seeing the aircraft flying unusually low moments before the fatal impact.
"I looked outside and it was right on top of the houses and had the feeling it was coming down on us," said Eddie Amhof, an 81-year-old resident living near the crash site.
Amhof noted that a massive red flash illuminated the sky after the helicopter moved toward the field, followed by an explosion a few minutes later.
"I just keep thinking about the loud noise over the property and the terrific flash of red, it just keeps springing back into your mind," said Amhof.
"We're in an area where very little happens really apart from car smashes, but nothing disastrous like that," added Amhof.
"Normally round here it's like Last of the Summer Wine," stated Amhof regarding the usual quiet nature of the area.
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Defense accident investigators continue to examine the scene of a Merlin Mk4 helicopter crash in Devon that killed three Royal Navy crew members.
