Officials said hikers saw the helicopter crash into the water.
One person is dead and two others are missing after a helicopter carrying three people crashed a quarter mile offshore in Hawaii, Kauai.
Officials said they received a report of the helicopter crash in the sea around 1:20 p.m. local time, and crews on the Kalalau test saw the helicopter go down in the water and reported dispatch.
The accident involving the Ali’i Kaua’i Air Tours and Charters helicopter was reported near Hanakoa Valley on the Na Pali coast.
“Our hearts go out to the families affected by this tragedy. We will continue to work with our partners to locate the missing and provide support during this difficult time,” said Kauai Police Chief Todd Raybuck. “Our multi-agency response is focused on search and rescue efforts.”
The Federal Aviation Agency has imposed a temporary no-fly zone in the area as the search continues.
According to an FAA spokesperson, preliminary reports indicate that the type of helicopter involved is a Robinson R44.
The US Coast Guard, Air 1 Rescue 3, personnel from the Kauai Fire Department, Kauai Emergency Management Agency, Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, Bureau of Ocean Conservation and Kauai Police Department all responded to the incident.
The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board will investigate, along with the NTSB, which is responsible for the investigation.
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