Three Killed, Two Injured in Airborne Aviation Tour Helicopter Crash Off Kauai’s Nā Pali Coast
An Airborne Aviation tour helicopter crashed into the ocean about 100 yards offshore of Kalalau Beach on Kauai’s Nā Pali Coast, killing three people and injuring two, authorities said. The aircraft was carrying one pilot and four passengers at the time of the crash.
📌 Key Facts
- The aircraft was an Airborne Aviation tour helicopter.
- The helicopter crashed about 100 yards offshore of Kalalau Beach on Kauai’s Nā Pali Coast.
- There were one pilot and four passengers on board.
- Three people were killed and two were injured in the crash.
- Authorities reported the incident, which was covered by CBS News on March 27, 2026.
- The CBS News item reporting the crash was titled "Helicopter crash off Hawaii leaves 3 dead, 2 injured, authorities say."
📊 Relevant Data
From 1984 to 2022, there were 54 commercial helicopter crashes in Hawaii, averaging about one to two per year, with 15 of these crashes being fatal and resulting in 85 deaths.
Why Hawaii sees such a high number of tourist helicopter fatalities — SFGate
The majority of fatal helicopter tour crashes in Hawaii are caused by pilots flying into deteriorating weather conditions, with additional factors including terrain-driven wind shears and sudden cloud buildups.
Why Hawaii Helicopter Crashes Keep Happening — Beat of Hawaii
The sightseeing transportation industry in Hawaii, which includes helicopter tours, has grown at an average annual rate of 17.1% from 2020 to 2025.
Sightseeing Transportation in Hawaii - Market Research — IBISWorld
📰 Source Timeline (2)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time
- Confirms the helicopter was operated by Airborne Aviation.
- Specifies the crash occurred about 100 yards offshore of Kalalau Beach on Kauai’s Nā Pali Coast.
- Reiterates there were one pilot and four passengers on board, with three killed and two injured.