(BrightPress.org) – A tragic helicopter crash off the coast of Kauai, Hawaii, on July 11th left one person dead and two others still missing as of July 12th. The crash occurred about a quarter mile from the shore, with state officials and rescue teams still searching for the missing individuals.
The Robinson R44 helicopter, which was being operated by Ali’i Kauai Air Tours & Charters, went down into the ocean at around 1:20 p.m. local time on July 11th. Hikers on the Kalalau Trail witnessed the crash and promptly reported it to authorities. The accident happened near the Hanakoa Valley along the scenic Na Pali Coast.
Kauai Police Chief Todd Raybuck expressed condolences for those affected by the crash. He stated that the search for the two missing persons continues, and efforts will remain focused on locating them.
The U.S. Coast Guard, local fire department, and several emergency management agencies are all involved in the search and recovery efforts. The Federal Aviation Administration has restricted flights in the area to assist with the ongoing operation. The National Transportation Safety Board will lead the investigation into the crash’s cause once the aircraft is recovered.
A hiker who saw the crash described seeing the helicopter fall into the water. Rescue teams found one body in the water hours after the incident. The search continued on July 12th for the other two people who were on board. Kauai Fire Chief Michael Gibson mentioned that the weather conditions at the time of the crash were typical for the season, with winds between 15 and 25 mph and light showers.
The crash highlights ongoing concerns about helicopter safety in Hawaii. In recent years, there have been several fatal helicopter crashes in the state, raising questions about safety regulations. Last year, the FAA introduced new rules for air tour operators to address some of these issues.
Robinson Helicopter Company stated that its helicopters have a solid safety record and have been used in challenging environments around the world.
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