A helicopter carrying five people crashed near Kalalau beach on Kauai, resulting in three deaths and two injuries, as authorities continue their investigation.
Three people have died following a helicopter crash off the coast of Kauai, Hawaii, according to police statements. The incident occurred when a helicopter operated by Airborne Aviation crashed about 100 yards from Kalalau beach, carrying one pilot and four passengers.
Authorities responded to the crash alert at approximately 15:45 local time (01:45 GMT), with police, the US Coast Guard, and fire department coordinating the rescue efforts. Two survivors were promptly taken to a hospital for medical treatment, though details on their conditions remain undisclosed.
Crash Details and Operator Information
The helicopter was part of Airborne Aviation's tour services, which advertise flights over Kauai's waterfalls, canyons, and beaches. The company's website lists a 50-minute tour accommodating up to four passengers at a cost of $348 per person, highlighting the popularity of such aerial tours on the island.
Kauai's Mayor Derek Kawakami commented on the response, stating, 'Here on Kaua'i, whenever somebody puts their feet on our soil, they are one of ours.' This reflects the local approach to handling such incidents involving visitors.
Andrew Williams, search and rescue mission coordinator for the US Coast Guard in Honolulu, expressed condolences, saying, 'We are greatly saddened by the loss of three lives in this helicopter crash and thinking of those individuals' families and friends.'
This crash is the latest in a series of fatal helicopter incidents in Kauai. In July 2024, another tour helicopter crash killed three people, attributed to turbulence from downdraft winds causing structural failure, as reported by the National Transportation Safety Board.
Helicopter tours remain a common attraction for visitors to Kauai, known for its scenic landscapes featured in films like Jurassic Park. Authorities have not yet identified the victims from the recent crash and are continuing their investigation.
