3 killed, 2 injured in Kauai tour helicopter crash
San Francisco Chronicle • • nation
Key Points:
- A tour helicopter operated by Airborne Aviation crashed off Kalalau Beach on Kauai’s Na Pali Coast, killing three people and injuring two others.
- The helicopter, a Hughes OH-6 Cayuse, went down about 100 yards offshore while carrying five passengers.
- Rescue efforts involved good Samaritans and Kauai Fire Department crews who evacuated survivors to Wilcox Medical Center; three victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
- The National Transportation Safety Board has launched an investigation into the crash to gather flight details and examine the aircraft.
- This incident follows a previous fatal tour helicopter crash near the Na Pali Coast in July 2024, highlighting ongoing safety concerns in the area.
