One Dead, Two Injured in Helicopter Crash in Biscayne Bay

Crash near Key Biscayne

November 4, 2026 · 10:45 p.m. Central

One person was killed and two others were injured Wednesday when a helicopter carrying three people crashed into Biscayne Bay near Miami, authorities said.

The U.S. Coast Guard said it and partner agencies responded to the crash and that emergency medical crews transported two people for further care. The helicopter went down near Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park off Key Biscayne, the Associated Press reported.

Officials had not immediately identified the three occupants in the reports reviewed. The cause of the crash had not been determined.

Rescue and investigation

The Federal Aviation Administration said the Robinson R44 crashed in the water at about 11:15 a.m. Eastern. The National Transportation Safety Board will lead the investigation, with the FAA also investigating.

The Coast Guard’s initial post said agencies responded at approximately 11:30 a.m. The times describe different reported moments: the FAA’s approximate crash time and the Coast Guard’s approximate response time.

The NTSB said preliminary information suggested the aircraft was on a photography flight, AP reported. That is an early account of the flight’s purpose, not a finding about why it crashed. CNN reported that two adults were taken to a trauma center.

The Coast Guard’s initial update reported one death and two people transported for care.

— U.S. Coast Guard Southeast (@USCGSoutheast) Read the original post on X

Where the crash was reported

The star marks the approximate area around Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park and Key Biscayne. It is not a verified point where the helicopter entered the water.

What is known about the response

Times are approximate and Eastern on November 4.

1. About 11:15 a.m. — The FAA says the helicopter crashed in the water.
2. About 11:30 a.m. — The Coast Guard says it and partner agencies responded.
3. Afterward — One occupant is reported dead and two are transported for medical care, the Coast Guard says.

Sources and visual credits

FAA: accident statement · U.S. Coast Guard Southeast: initial report · Associated Press: crash and preliminary flight information · CNN via KVIA: response.

Visual: conceptual rescue boat and coastline illustration, not a photograph or reconstruction of the crash. Map data: OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL.