A helicopter crashed in Biscayne Bay on Nov. 4, killing one and injuring two, according to officials. Those injured have since been released from the hospital.
The crash took place at 11:30 a.m., according to a social media post by the U.S. Coast Guard Southeast. Three people were aboard the aircraft, and one person is “reported deceased,” while two were “transported by EMS to a higher level of care.”
The pilot of the helicopter, Tomas Pendas, died, while the other two aboard “sustained minor injuries and are no longer hospitalized,” according to a press release by the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue responded to reports of a crash near Bill Baggs State Park, which is located on Key Biscayne, according to media and public relations for the agency.
Three total patients were reported, with “two adult trauma alert patients” transported by City of Miami Fire Rescue and Key Biscayne Fire Rescue ground rescue units to a designated landing zone, where Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Air Rescue transported them to the main trauma center.
Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol units also responded, and “observed a Good Samaritan on a boat providing CPR to the adult male victim,” according to a press release by the agency. MDSO took over life-saving efforts.
NTSB, FAA investigating the crash
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the cause of the crash, according to Jennifer Gabris, a spokesperson for the National Transportation Safety Board. The aircraft involved was a Robinson R44 II helicopter, and “preliminary information indicates it was a photography flight.” The Federal Aviation Administration is also investigating, according to MDSO’s press release.
Detectives from the MDSO Homicide Bureau “have assumed the death investigation.”
The preliminary investigation “revealed that the commercial helicopter was filming boats as they were heading south,” according to the release.
Sarah Perkel is a South Florida Connect Reporter for the USA TODAY Network’s Florida Connect team. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Pilot dies in Florida helicopter crash during photography flight
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