Helicopter crashes into Biscayne Bay off Miami, killing one and injuring two

What happened

On Wednesday, 4 November 2026, a Robinson R44 II helicopter went down in Biscayne Bay near Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, at the southern tip of Key Biscayne, about seven miles from downtown Miami. The aircraft was carrying three people. The Federal Aviation Administration said the helicopter fell into the water at about 11:15 a.m. local time, while the U.S. Coast Guard put its response at approximately 11:30 a.m. Greek outlets citing WSVN footage said rescue boats reached the site shortly after 11:50 a.m., so the reported times vary. The Coast Guard issued its count of casualties in a short statement.

“1 person is reported deceased & 2 people were transported by EMS to a higher level of care.”

Rescue and casualties

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue said two adult patients with traumatic injuries were moved by ground rescue units from Miami and Key Biscayne fire rescue to a designated landing zone. From there, its air rescue unit flew them to the main trauma center. Emergency responders from several local fire departments joined the Coast Guard at the site. The Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office said the three people involved had received help from coordinated emergency personnel.

“Three individuals were involved in the incident, and emergency personnel worked together to provide assistance.”

Television footage showed the helicopter upside down underwater, with two yellow emergency floats still attached to its landing skids. The reports did not say how serious the two injuries were, and the identities of the three occupants had not been released.

Deceased1

Injured2

Deceased

1 people

Injured

2 people

Data from the article text

Investigation

The National Transportation Safety Board said the helicopter appeared to have been on a photography flight, and it is investigating the crash. The Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office said its own investigation was ongoing. The Guardian said it had contacted the Federal Aviation Administration for further comment. The reports available so far did not identify what caused the helicopter to go down.

A business jet crash three days earlier

A business jet carrying nine people crashed in Greenacres, in Palm Beach County, Florida, on Sunday, 1 November, killing everyone on board. Shortly before the crash, the crew reported ice accumulation, turbulence and precipitation, then declared a Mayday. As the aircraft lost altitude rapidly, the pilot told air traffic control that the jet was in an overspeed condition. The Learjet 90, which was heading to the Bahamas, struck the ground with enough force to leave a crater, and parts were found up to 3.8 miles from the site. The Miami helicopter crash happened three days later.