Fatal helicopter crash off Hawaiian island of Kauai results in 1 death and 2 missing

In a tragic incident off the Hawaiian island of Kauai, a helicopter belonging to Ali'i Kaua'i Air Tours and Charters crashed into the ocean on Thursday, resulting in one confirmed fatality and two individuals still missing. The Robinson R44 helicopter went down about a quarter mile off the Na Pali Coast, with hikers along the Kalalau Trail witnessing the crash and alerting authorities. The search and rescue operation involved multiple agencies, including the Coast Guard, with the FAA imposing a temporary flight restriction in the area. The National Transportation Safety Board and FAA will conduct an investigation into the cause of the crash. The deceased victim was recovered approximately an hour after the crash, while efforts to locate the missing individuals were ongoing. County officials temporarily halted rescue operations for the safety of responders, with plans to resume the search on Friday morning. Acting Governor Sylvia Luke expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts of responders and agencies during this difficult time. Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami extended condolences for the tragic loss and the ongoing search for the missing individuals. The helicopter crash adds to a series of incidents that have plagued the tour industry in recent years, prompting investigations by the NTSB and FAA. The FAA had implemented new regulations for air tour operators in Hawaii following previous fatal crashes, requiring approval for flying at lower altitudes. The move came after multiple deadly incidents in 2019, including crashes on the Na Pali Coast and in a Honolulu suburb, attributed to weather conditions and pilot error. Authorities are expected to provide further updates on the Kauai crash as investigations continue.