2 From Massachusetts Killed In Helicopter Crash In Hawaii

KAUAI, HI — Two people from Massachusetts were among three killed when a sightseeing plane crashed into the ocean off the coast of the Hawaiian island of Kauai, authorities said.

The Kauai Police Department said the crash occurred around 3:45 p.m. on Thursday, just off Kalalau Beach. The helicopter, operated by Airborne Aviation, was carrying one pilot and four passengers, police said.

Rescue teams arrived at the remote location to find “multiple patients across the beach and shoreline,” said Kauai Fire Chief Michael Gibson. Campers on the beach were trying to resuscitate victims, he said.

The Massachusetts residents aboard the helicopter were identified as 65-year-old Margaret Rimmler and 59-year-old Patrick Haskell. Police did not release their hometowns.

Notification of next of kin is pending for the third fatality, Kauai Police Chief Rudy Tai said.

Two others were taken to the hospital for treatment. Tai declined to provide details on the survivors' conditions.

The beach where the crash occurred is on the Na Pali Coast on Kauai's North Shore, an area that is otherwise reachable only by hiking or boat. The area's geography of tall seaside cliffs and sharp mountain ridges can contribute to turbulent air and quick weather changes that pose hazards for aviation.

At least 16 people have died in helicopter crashes in Hawaii in the past seven years, including two crashes in 2019. A skydiving plane crash in Hawaii that year killed 11 people; investigators blamed the pilot's aggressive takeoff.

The National Transportation Safety Board said it is investigating the crash of the Hughes/MD 500 helicopter and will examine it once it's removed from the water.

The helicopter was operated by Airborne Aviation, which does sightseeing tours of Kauai's canyons, shoreline and waterfalls. Airborne advertises a “doors-off thrill-seeker's adventure tour” that seats up to four people.

There have been no tours since the crash, the company said Friday.

The company's website says it also flies search-and-rescue missions as well as flights for fire response and utility and construction services.

Airborne Aviation said it was cooperating with investigators.

“Our hearts are with the families and loved ones affected by this devastating event, and we extend our deepest condolences during this incredibly difficult time,” Airborne Aviation said in a statement.

The Associated Press contributed reporting.