A tourist helicopter crashed on a remote beach on the Hawaiian island of Kauai, killing three people and injuring two others, authorities have said. The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon at Kalalau Beach on the Na Pali coast, an area accessible only by hiking or boat.
The helicopter, operated by Airborne Aviation, was carrying one pilot and four passengers when it came down. Police confirmed three deaths and two people transported to Wilcox Medical Center for treatment. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the crash of the Hughes/MD 500 helicopter.
Airborne Aviation, which offers sightseeing tours of Kauai's canyons and waterfalls, said in a statement: 'Our hearts are with the families and loved ones affected by this devastating event... Safety has always been the foundation of our operations.' The company also conducts search-and-rescue and fire response flights.
The Na Pali coast's geography of tall cliffs and sharp ridges can cause turbulent air and rapid weather changes, posing hazards for aviation. The crash is the latest in a series of fatal helicopter incidents in Hawaii, where at least 16 people have died in such crashes in the past seven years.
Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami thanked the coordinated response of the US Coast Guard and local agencies. In July 2024, a tour helicopter crashed on Kauai, killing the pilot and two passengers after hitting turbulence.
