Kauai Helicopter Crash Kills 3, Injures 2

Tour company suspends operations as investigation into cause begins

Mar. 28, 2026 at 1:37am

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A tour helicopter crashed into the ocean off Kalalau Beach on Kauai on Thursday, killing three people and injuring two others. Kauai police identified two of the victims as Margaret Rimmler, 65, and Patrick Haskell, 59, both from Massachusetts. The third victim was a 40-year-old woman whose name has not been released. The two survivors remain hospitalized. Airborne Aviation, the tour company operating the helicopter, has suspended all operations indefinitely as federal investigators work to determine the cause of the crash.

Why it matters

Helicopter tour accidents are rare but can have devastating consequences, especially in remote areas like Kalalau Beach. This incident raises questions about the safety protocols and oversight of the tour helicopter industry in Hawaii, which is a major draw for visitors. The crash also highlights the challenges first responders face in reaching and assisting victims in isolated locations.

The details

The McDonnell Douglas MD 500 helicopter was carrying one pilot and four passengers when it crashed into the ocean around 3:45 pm on Thursday. Bystanders and surviving passengers began CPR and provided care before first responders arrived. It took over an hour to free one person who remained trapped in the helicopter. Conditions during the rescue were described as 'spotty' with rain, wind, and rough surf. Other tour operators assisted in the response, with Jack Harter Helicopters verifying who was in the water and Airborne Aviation and Blue Hawaiian landing helicopters on the beach to provide additional support.

  • The 911 dispatch call about the crash was received around 3:45 pm on Thursday, March 27, 2026.
  • The last communications check-in from crews was around 4:10 pm, with Air One on the ground by 4:21 pm.

The players

Kauai Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that responded to the crash and is assisting with the investigation.

Kauai Fire Department

The local fire department that led the rescue and recovery efforts at the remote crash site.

Airborne Aviation

The tour company that operated the helicopter involved in the crash. The company has suspended all operations indefinitely.

Margaret Rimmler

A 65-year-old victim from Massachusetts who was killed in the crash.

Patrick Haskell

A 59-year-old victim from Massachusetts who was killed in the crash.

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What they’re saying

“These are the types of incidents that our personnel train for: the complex, high-risk operations in remote locations. But there is no amount of training that lessens the emotional weight of something like this.”

— Michael Gibson, Kauai Fire Chief

“It hits all of us to our core when something like this happens, all of us in the industry. Right now, we have suspended all operations for an indefinite period of time until we're certain we can continue safely.”

— Doug Froning, Director of Operations, Airborne Aviation

What’s next

FAA and NTSB investigators are expected to arrive on Friday night or early Saturday to begin their investigation into the cause of the crash. Airborne Aviation has said it will cooperate fully with the investigation.

The takeaway

This tragic helicopter crash in a remote area of Kauai highlights the risks and challenges associated with the popular tour helicopter industry in Hawaii. It will likely prompt renewed scrutiny of safety protocols and oversight to prevent future accidents and protect both tourists and residents.