March 27, 2026
A helicopter carrying five people crashed Thursday afternoon near Kalalau Beach along Kauai’s remote Na Pali Coast, leaving three people dead and two others injured, authorities said.
First responders were dispatched at approximately 3:45 p.m. Thursday, March 26, 2026 after reports of a downed aircraft near the shoreline at Kalalau Beach, according to a County of Kauai news release. The crash site was described as a sandbar about 100 yards offshore.
Good Samaritans, along with personnel from the Kauai Fire Department, rescued two survivors from the crash site. Both were transported to Wilcox Medical Center in Lihue for treatment. Three others were pronounced dead.
Patrick Haskell and Margaret Rimmler (Source: Facebook)
Authorities have identified two of the three victims killed in the helicopter crash as husband and wife Margaret Rimmler, 65, and Patrick Haskell, 59, both of Massachusetts. Haskell was the owner of Haskell Insurance Agency in Needham. A third victim, described as a 40-year-old woman, has not yet been publicly identified as officials continue efforts to notify next of kin, Kauai Police Chief Rudy Tai said. Authorities have not released details regarding the conditions of the two survivors.
(U.S. Coast Guard photo)
The U.S. Coast Guard said watchstanders received notification from Kauai Police Dispatch at approximately 3:50 p.m. reporting a white helicopter down with five people aboard. In response, the Coast Guard launched an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Air Station Barbers Point, deployed a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium from Station Kauai, and diverted the cutter Oliver Berry (WPC 1124) to assist.
Local agencies mounted a coordinated response that included Kauai Fire Department crews, Rescue 3 aboard Air 1, Ocean Safety Bureau personnel on jet skis from Hanalei Bay, the Kauai Police Department, the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, the Kauai Emergency Management Agency, and American Medical Response.
In a press conference, officials said preliminary reports indicate the pilot attempted to bring the helicopter closer to shore in the moments before the crash near Kalalau Beach. In the immediate aftermath, bystanders — including campers on the beach, estimated at up to 10 people — rushed to help alongside surviving passengers, performing CPR and providing emergency care. A passing tour helicopter operated by Jack Harter Helicopters flew overhead and helped relay critical information about the number of people in the water, including confirming that CPR was already underway on at least one victim. Additional support quickly followed, as helicopters from Airborne Aviation and Blue Hawaiian Helicopters landed on the beach, bringing extra manpower to assist in the rescue effort.
Responders described challenging and deteriorating weather conditions during the rescue. Officials said the weather was “spotty” at first, with intermittent rain, shifting winds, and inconsistent surf that came in uneven, strengthening sets. Rescue crews prioritized victims already on the beach, while efforts to reach and extricate a fifth person trapped inside the submerged helicopter took more than an hour. By the time that individual was removed, conditions had worsened significantly, with heavier rain, stronger winds, and rough surf complicating the operation. Recovery efforts to remove the aircraft from the water are still ongoing, officials said.
Aircraft and Tour Details
(Airborne Aviation photo)
The aircraft, identified as a Hughes OH-6 Cayuse — commonly referred to as a Hughes 500 — was operated by Airborne Aviation and carried one pilot and four passengers, officials said. The helicopter is used in Airborne Aviation’s popular “doors-off” sightseeing tours. The company advertises 50- to 55-minute flights departing from Lihue Airport, offering aerial views of iconic Kauai landmarks including the Na Pali Coast, Waialeale Crater, Manawaiopuna Falls, Hanalei Bay, Wailua Falls, and Waimea Canyon.
Originally developed as a light observation helicopter for the U.S. Army, where it earned the nickname “Loach” during the Vietnam War, the OH-6 is the military version of the civilian Hughes 500 (now part of the MD 500 series) widely used for tourism, law enforcement and utility work. The helicopter is compact, fast and highly maneuverable, powered by a single turbine engine and distinguished by its bubble-shaped canopy that provides exceptional visibility — a key advantage for sightseeing flights. It typically seats up to five people and is often flown in “doors-off” configuration on Kauai, allowing unobstructed views of the island’s dramatic terrain. Its responsive handling and five-blade rotor system make it well-suited for navigating rugged landscapes like the Na Pali Coast, though, like all light helicopters, it can be more sensitive to changing weather conditions, including strong winds and reduced visibility common in mountainous island environments.
Airborne Aviation is a long-established Kauai operator offering scenic helicopter tours alongside utility services such as aerial support for firefighting and search-and-rescue missions. Based near Lihue Airport, the company has become a popular choice for visitors seeking “doors-off” flights over the island’s most dramatic landscapes. Across major travel and review platforms, Airborne Aviation has earned consistently high customer ratings, with many passengers citing experienced pilots, thorough pre-flight safety briefings and smooth, well-narrated flights.
Investigation Underway
Federal aviation authorities are expected to investigate the cause of the crash. Standard procedure typically involves the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board, which will examine factors such as weather conditions, mechanical performance, pilot experience, and operational decisions.
No official cause had been released as of Friday.
A Remote and Challenging Environment
Kalalau Beach, located at the end of the 11-mile Kalalau Trail, is one of Kauai’s most isolated locations. Accessible only by foot, boat, or air, the rugged coastline and rapidly changing weather patterns can complicate rescue operations.
The Na Pali Coast is known for its towering cliffs, strong ocean currents, and sudden shifts in wind and visibility — conditions that can pose challenges for aviation.
What it means for visitors considering helicopter tours
Helicopter tours remain one of the most sought-after experiences on Kauai, offering unparalleled views of terrain inaccessible by road or trail. However, Thursday’s crash underscores the inherent risks involved.
Safety considerations for travelers include:
- Weather volatility: Kauai’s microclimates can shift quickly, particularly along the Na Pali Coast and around Mt. Waialeale, where heavy rainfall and cloud cover are common.
- Aircraft type and configuration: “Doors-off” flights enhance visibility but expose passengers more directly to wind and elements.
- Pilot experience: Highly experienced pilots are critical in navigating Kauai’s complex terrain and weather patterns.
- Maintenance and operator record: Travelers are encouraged to review a company’s safety history, certifications, and recent inspection records.
- Weight and balance factors: Helicopter performance can vary based on passenger load and environmental conditions.
Aviation experts generally note that while helicopter tours in Hawaii operate under strict federal regulations, they are not without risk — particularly in mountainous island environments where weather can change rapidly.
Balancing Risk and Reward
For many visitors, a helicopter tour remains a once-in-a-lifetime way to experience Kauai’s dramatic landscapes — from the emerald cliffs of the Na Pali Coast to the deep folds of Waimea Canyon. Industry data has historically shown that incidents are relatively rare compared to the volume of flights conducted annually.
Still, Thursday’s tragedy serves as a sobering reminder that even well-established tour operations carry risks.
Authorities said the investigation is ongoing, and additional updates will be released as more information becomes available.
