Mistaken engine cut-off condemned Merlin HC4 helicopter to fatal ditching: report

A Royal Navy pilot tragically died following a fatal crash of a Leonardo AW101 Merlin HC4 helicopter into the sea off [location]. The incident occurred while crew members were attempting an emergency landing on the deck of HMS Queen Elizabeth. Commander of the helicopter mistakenly initiated the shutdown of two out of the three engines aboard the aircraft. Two serviceable powerplants had been shut down prior to the critical error. Investigations are underway to determine the precise sequence of events leading up to this devastating outcome, focusing on procedures and training protocols.