Three people were killed and two more injured when an air tour helicopter crashed on a remote beach on the Hawaiian island of Kauai on Thursday.
According to a statement from the U.S. Coast Guard, it was alerted to the accident by a call from Kauai Police Department dispatch at approximately 3:50 p.m. local time. There were five people aboard the helicopter that was being operated by Aviation Airborne, an air tour company that, according to the company website, offers “door off aerial tours” of the islands.
Helicopter tours are a popular way to see the islands as the beaches and waterfalls are often inaccessible by land vehicles.
The Coast Guard reported the helicopter involved was a Hughes OH-6 Cayuse.
The two crash survivors were airlifted to a local hospital.
The Coast Guard noted the rescue of the survivors was a combined effort of the Coast Guard, good samaritans, and the Kauai Fire Department, which utilized its own helicopter and jet skis to reach the accident.
“We are greatly saddened by the loss of three lives in this helicopter crash and thinking of those individuals’ families and friends,” said Commander Andrew Williams, search and rescue mission coordinator for Coast Guard Sector Honolulu. “We are also keeping the survivors in our thoughts as they begin their recovery. We remain grateful for close coordination with our partner agencies throughout this tragic incident.”
FLYING received a statement from the tour company Friday afternoon.
“Our hearts are with the families and loved ones affected by this devastating event, and we extend our deepest condolences during this incredibly difficult time. Our immediate priority is supporting the victims, their families, and our team members. Safety has always been the foundation of our operations, and we are committed to understanding exactly what occurred.”
The statement said the company is “fully cooperating” with the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board, which is leading the investigation.
