A tour helicopter crash off Kauai’s coast on Thursday left 1 dead and 2 missing, sparking a multi-agency search near the Hanakoa Valley along the Na Pali Coast.

The crash has prompted a significant response from agencies including the U.S. Coast Guard and local authorities, with search and rescue efforts extending into Friday. The incident highlights concerns over the safety of air tours in the area, with the FAA and NTSB launching an investigation. The tragedy has deeply affected the local community, prompting an outpouring of condolences from public officials as efforts to locate the missing continue.

The helicopter, a Robinson R44 operated by Ali’i Kauai Air Tours and Charters, went down at approximately 1:20 p.m. on Thursday. Hikers in the vicinity reported seeing the aircraft crash into the waters near the remote Hanakoa Valley along the Na Pali Coast, one of the most rugged and inaccessible areas on the island.

Upon receiving the distress call from hikers, authorities quickly mobilized multiple agencies for a coordinated rescue operation. The U.S. Coast Guard, the Ocean Safety Bureau, and local police and fire departments were among those responding to the scene. Rescue teams arrived by around 2:25 p.m., where they discovered one deceased individual. The remaining two occupants of the helicopter were still unaccounted for and presumed missing.

Search and rescue activities were temporarily halted at sundown Thursday due to visibility challenges and resumed with the first light on Friday. Despite the pause, the U.S. Coast Guard continued its search efforts throughout Thursday evening to maximize the chances of finding the missing persons quickly.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has since enacted a temporary flight restriction around the crash site to facilitate unobstructed search and rescue operations. Furthermore, the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash to determine its cause.

As details of the crash emerged, local leaders offered their condolences. Kauai County Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami expressed sympathy for the victims and their families, emphasizing that first responders were exerting every effort to locate the missing individuals. Police Chief Todd Raybuck and Acting Governor Sylvia Luke also conveyed their condolences and assured their support to the affected families.

The identities of the victims involved in the helicopter crash have not been released as of yet. Efforts are ongoing to ensure the families of those involved are properly notified and supported during this difficult time.

Robinson R44 helicopters, like the one involved in the crash, are commonly used for tour operations due to their versatile performance and relatively low operational costs. However, any aviation incident raises questions about safety standards and operational procedures, which is why the joint investigation by the FAA and NTSB is critical.

The accident off Kauai’s coast underscores the challenges of conducting search and rescue operations in such complex terrain. The Na Pali Coast is renowned for its breathtaking beauty but also for its remote and rugged landscape, making access by land and sea difficult.

This incident is the latest in a series of tour helicopter accidents in Hawaii, a popular destination for aerial sightseeing due to its stunning scenery. The investigation will examine various factors, including weather conditions at the time of the crash, mechanical integrity of the helicopter, and the operational practices of Ali’i Kauai Air Tours and Charters.

Residents and visitors to Kauai are closely following the developments, hoping for a resolution. The community remains united in its support for the families of the victims and gratitude for the continued efforts of the first responders and search teams.