And tourist helicopter It crashed near a remote beach in Hawaii and three people died. The plane crash occurred on the island of Kauai, dominated by cliffs and abundant vegetation for which it is known as «the garden island.»
In addition to the three dead, there are two injured.
At the time of the collapse in the Karalau playaa pilot and four passengers were on board the device, the Kauai Fire Department said. The beach is located on the Na Pali Coast in northern Kauai. The area can only be accessed on foot or by boat.
Police reported that three people died and two others were taken to Wilcox Medical Center for treatment, although authorities did not release the health status of the patients.
The helicopter crashed off the coast of Kauai on Thursday shortly before 5:00 p.m., the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported Friday that it is already investigating the crash of the Hughes/MD 500 helicopter.
«They will begin collecting information about the flight and plan to examine the helicopter once it is recovered from the water,» the NTSB announced in a statement.
«An adventure tour with strong emotions», the promise of the helicopter operating company
The device was operated by Airborne Aviationa helicopter company that runs sightseeing tours of Kauai’s canyons, coastline and waterfalls. Airborne advertises a doorless «adventure tour for thrill seekers» that seats up to four people.
Helicopter tours are a popular way to explore the cliffs, beaches, and waterfalls that line the Na Pali Coast.
One of the most important attractions is the view from the air of the Manawaiopuna Falls, which appear at the beginning of the movie Jurassic Park. They also offer an approach to Makana Mountain, 340 meters high and also with cameos in the cinema. It is also one of the places with the most symbolism for the natives.
The tourist tour lasts between 50 and 55 minutes, aboard Hugues 500 helicopters, with a maximum of four tourists, in addition to the pilot. Each seat costs US$348, with a fee of US$388 to use the front ones (ideal for panoramic photographs). The private tour, meanwhile, is available for US$ 1,392
Derek Kawakami, Mayor of Kauai, thanked the coordinated work of the United States Coast Guard and local police, fire and security agencies.
“Here on Kauai, every time someone sets foot on our territory they are one of ours, we treat them like one of ours, they are part of our family, and our first responders act with that spirit in mind,” he said in an interview with Hawaii News Now.
In July 2024, a tourist helicopter crashed in Kauai, killing the pilot and two passengers. The device disintegrated in mid-flight after encountering turbulence, which caused the main rotor blades to hit the fuselage, according to the investigation by the NTSB.
With information from AP
