Fatal Helicopter Crash: Miami Photographer Killed Off Coast

Three people were aboard a small helicopter that crashed into the Atlantic Ocean off Key Biscayne, Florida, late Wednesday morning. The pilot died, and two passengers suffered injuries, according to the US Coast Guard. The aircraft settled upside down in the water, with only its landing skids remaining visible above the surface.

The NTSB confirmed that the flight was a photography operation. Federal Aviation Administration records indicate the aircraft is owned by an aerial photography company. The Robinson R44 model took off from North Perry Airport in Pembroke Pines shortly before 11 a.m. Tracking data from Flightradar24 shows the plane flew south and circled near the bridge to Key Biscayne. It turned south again and crashed approximately seven minutes after takeoff.

Two adults were transported to a nearby trauma center. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue reported that their conditions and the identity of the deceased were not immediately known. Petty Officer Adrian Guttierez of the US Coast Guard search and rescue team said in a release, “Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this sudden and devastating event.” Aerial images suggest the skids had yellow flotation devices designed to keep the craft afloat during water landings.

Customs and Border Protection agents responded after hearing a mayday call from a bystander around 11:20 a.m. They recovered two individuals from the water and moved them to a harbor by vessel. One patient went to the hospital by ambulance, while the other was airlifted. A Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office boat transported the pilot, who was receiving first aid at the scene.

Weather conditions at the time included thunderstorms, lightning, and light rain. Miami International Airport, located about 14 miles away, recorded 9-mph winds from the east. Gusts near the crash site reached 20 mph. The NTSB and FAA have launched a joint investigation into the incident.

The crash follows two other fatal helicopter incidents in the US. Last week, two helicopters collided in Oregon, killing three people. The month before that, a news helicopter crashed in Los Angeles, also resulting in three deaths. The Robinson R44 is a widely used aircraft, with more than 7,800 units built. Last year, 118 of these helicopters were involved in crashes worldwide, 24 of which were fatal.

In the US, there were 191 helicopter crashes last year. Of those, 32 were fatal, according to the Aviation Safety Network database. A safety zone was established around the crash site to manage traffic in the area.