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Helicopter crash off Kauai leaves three dead
Three people died when a sightseeing helicopter operated by Airborne Aviation went down approximately 100 yards off Kalalau beach on Saturday afternoon, Kauai police confirmed.
The aircraft was carrying one pilot and four passengers. Two survivors were transported to a hospital for treatment, authorities said.
Response and recovery
Emergency crews received the crash alert at 15:45 local time (01:45 GMT). Police, the US Coast Guard, and the fire department quickly arrived at the scene.
Coast Guard search-and-rescue coordinator Andrew Williams expressed condolences, stating, "We are greatly saddened by the loss of three lives in this helicopter crash and thinking of those individuals' families and friends."
Tour details and company background
The helicopter belonged to Airborne Aviation, a company offering "doors-off thrill seekers adventure tours" of Kauai's waterfalls, canyons, and beaches. The 50-minute tour accommodated up to four passengers and cost $348 per person, according to the company's website.
The Meta Times has reached out to Airborne Aviation for comment but has not yet received a response.
Kauai's history of helicopter accidents
This incident marks the latest fatal crash involving a tour helicopter on the island. In July 2024, three people died when a helicopter from a different operator broke apart mid-flight.
The National Transportation Safety Board attributed the 2024 crash to turbulence from downdraft winds, which caused "mast bumping and an inflight breakup."
Local reaction
Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami praised the recovery efforts, telling local media, "Here on Kauaʻi, whenever somebody puts their feet on our soil, they are one of ours. We treat them like one of ours, they are a part of our family, and our first responders respond with that spirit in mind."
Helicopter tours remain a popular way for visitors to explore Kauai, famously featured in the film Jurassic Park.
