‘Devastating’: Fatal Kauaʻi helicopter crash claimed 3 lives, officials respond

HONOLULU (KHON2) -- More details revealed about the fatal helicopter crash that left three people dead in Kauaʻi on Thursday, March 26. In a statement released on Friday, March 27, Airborne Aviation confirmed one of its helicopters was involved in the accident. "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," said Isaac Croydon, safety manager of Airborne Aviation. The company said it is fully cooperating with authorities, including the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board. "Safety has always been the foundation of our operations, and we are committed to understanding exactly what occurred," Croydon said. The crash occurred around 3:50 p.m. on sandbar 100 yards off Kalalau Beach, Kauaʻi police reported to the U.S. Coast Guard. "Kalalau is very, very isolated. It is very tricky to get down into," said Mayor Derek Kawakami said. "And that's why when I say that this coordinated response from all of these different agencies and their ability to click up so quickly and correspond with information coming in to KEMA is phenomenal." Officials reported the helicopter was carrying one pilot and four passengers. Kaua'i Fire Department and good Samaritans worked together to rescue two people, transporting them to a hospital in Lihue to be treated, the U.S. Coast Guard said. Three people died as a result of the crash, Kauaʻi County confirmed. "We are greatly saddened by the loss of three lives in this helicopter crash and thinking of those individuals’ families and friends," said Commander Andrew Williams, search and rescue mission coordinator, Coast Guard Sector Honolulu. "We are also keeping the survivors in our thoughts as they begin their recovery." Kauaʻi officials gathered at the Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency for a 2 p.m. press conference to address the crash on Friday, March 27. In attendance at the press conference will be the following officials: Mayor Derek Kawakami, Police Chief Rudy Tai, Fire Department Chief Michael Gibson, U.S. Coast Guard Officer in Charge BMC Kevin Chapman of Station Kauaʻi, Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources's DOCARE Assistant Chief Christopher Gandeza and American Medical Response for Hawaiʻi.