Overview
- The small Robinson R44 went down shortly after 11 a.m. Wednesday near Key Biscayne, leaving one occupant dead and two adults flown to a trauma center.
- Miami‑Dade Fire Rescue, the U.S. Coast Guard and local fire units mounted a search-and-rescue response and recovered the two survivors from the overturned helicopter.
- The FAA confirmed the aircraft type and that three people were aboard while the NTSB opened a formal investigation and said preliminary information points to a photography flight.
- Aerial images showed the helicopter’s emergency flotation gear deployed and local weather reports noted thunderstorms with light rain and gusty winds near the time of the crash.
- Investigators will examine flight tracking data, maintenance and crew records and eyewitness accounts, a process that can take weeks to months and will determine next steps for safety or regulatory action.