Kaua’i, Hawaii (Island News) — On March 26, 2026, a helicopter crash near Kalalau Beach claimed the lives of three individuals and left two others injured.
The Airborne Aviation aircraft took off from Lihue Airport around 3:15 p.m. for its final flight of the day. Approximately 30 minutes later, the pilot attempted to maneuver away from the shoreline when he reported experiencing a “high frequency vibration” throughout the helicopter, leading to a loss of control.
Emergency maneuvers were attempted, but the helicopter collided with the water approximately 75 yards offshore. Witnesses reported that the aircraft suffered substantial damage to its fuselage and main rotor blades. The deceased passengers were identified as Oksana Pihol, Patrick Haskell, and Margaret Rimmler, while the pilot and one other passenger sustained serious injuries.
Authorities stated that the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).