Kauai Helicopter Crash Claims Third Life, Investigation Underway
KALALAU BEACH, KauaiāOn March 26, a helicopter crash off Kalalau Beach resulted in three fatalities and two injuries.
Authorities identified the third victim as Oksana Pihol, 40, a Ukrainian national. The crash involved an MD 500 helicopter operated by Airborne Aviation and occurred around 3:45 p.m., with a pilot and four passengers on board.
Two other fatalities were identified as Margaret Rimmler, 65, and Patrick Haskell, 59, both residents of Massachusetts. The two injured individuals were transported to Wilcox Medical Center; their identities have not been released.
The U.S. Coast Guard reported that the helicopter crashed into a sandbar approximately 100 yards from the beach's remote shore. Multiple agencies responded to the scene.
The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are conducting an investigation into the incident. In the meantime, Airborne Aviation has suspended all helicopter tours.