Search For 2 Missing Occupants Following Fatal Helicopter Crash In Hawaii

Summary

  • Hawaiian agencies are searching for 2 missing occupants from a fatal helicopter crash into the ocean.
  • The crash involved an Ali’i Kaua’i Air Tours Robinson R44helicopter near Na Pali Coast.
  • Multiple agencies are involved in the search and recovery efforts for the missing individuals.

Multiple Hawaiian agencies are searching for two missing occupants involved in a fatal helicopter crash on July 11, 2024. The helicopter, carrying three people, went down into the ocean off Kauai’s Na Pali Coast, and one person’s body has been recovered and confirmed dead. Their identities have not been released.

The crash details

According to a statement shared on a social media post by the County of Kaua’i, the crash involved an Ali’i Kaua’i Air Tours and Charters helicopter, which went down in waters about a quarter mile offshore from Kauai’s Na Pali Coast.

A Robinson R44 flying in the sky

Photo: Gilberto Mesquita | Shutterstock

According to the report, the crash occurred around 1:20 pm near the Hanakoa Valley and was witnessed by the hikers along the Kalalau Trail. Commenting on the tragic accident, Police Chief Todd Raybuck said:

“Our hearts go out to the families impacted by this tragedy. We will continue working with our partners to locate the missing individuals and provide support during this difficult time. Our multi-agency response remains focused on the search and recovery efforts.”

According to the tour agency’s website, it operates a fleet of Robinson R44 helicopters. The R44 is a four-seat light helicopter that was produced by Robinson Helicopter Company in 1992.

The details surrounding the crash and its causes are still unknown.

All-hands effort

At least seven authorities are responding to the rescue search and investigation. The United States Coast Guard, Kaua’i Fire Department, Rescue 3 with Air 1, Kaua’i Emergency Management Agency, Hawai’i Emergency Management Agency, Ocean Safety Bureau, and Kaua’i Police Department are all responding to this incident and continuing the search for two missing people.

The inside view of a Robinson R44 helicopter

Photo: Viktor Prymachenko | Shutterstock

Kauai Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami also shared his condolences, saying:

“We are incredibly sad to hear of the life tragically lost today and the two other individuals who are still missing after a helicopter crashed into waters off Kaua’i’s Na Pali Coast. While we do not know all the details surrounding the incident at this time, we do know that our first responders are doing everything they can in this emergency operation. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of all involved.”

Other general aviation incidents this year

In late June 2024, a tragic accident occurred when a Cessna Skyhawk II aircraft crashed onto a highway in Paris, France. The general aviation aircraft was carrying three people, all of whom were pronounced dead at the scene.

The French Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis for Civil Aviation Safety (BEA) confirmed the accident and started an investigation.

The accident took place near the town of Collégien in the Île-de-France region, where the capital city, Paris, is also located. The prosecutor’s office confirmed that the plane crashed on the A4 highway after evidently colliding with a high-voltage power line.

Related

3 Dead After Cessna Skyhawk II Crashes Onto Paris Highway

Three people have died, including the pilot who had just over an hour of flying experience under his belt.

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