Helicopter Crashes Into Biscayne Bay Near Miami, Two Hospitalized and One Dead

Biscayne Bay Helicopter Crash Leaves One Dead, Two Injured

A helicopter crashed into Biscayne Bay near Key Biscayne, Florida, on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, prompting an emergency response from multiple South Florida agencies. Two people were rescued and transported to a trauma center, while authorities confirmed that a third person aboard the aircraft died.

The crash occurred shortly before noon near the waters off Key Biscayne, triggering a coordinated search and rescue operation involving Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, local fire departments and the U.S. Coast Guard. The incident remains under investigation, and authorities have not released the identities of the people aboard the helicopter.

Where Did the Helicopter Crash?

The helicopter went down in Biscayne Bay near Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, off the coast of Key Biscayne. The aircraft crashed into the water shortly before noon, prompting an extensive emergency response.

Three people were aboard the helicopter when it went down. The aircraft was identified as a Robinson R44 II, a small helicopter commonly used for private aviation and specialized operations.

Two People Transported to Jackson Memorial Hospital

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue confirmed that two adult patients suffered traumatic injuries and required emergency medical transportation. Fire rescue personnel from Miami, Key Biscayne and Miami-Dade County coordinated efforts to remove the survivors from the water and transport them to a designated landing zone. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue’s Air Rescue unit then transported the patients to a trauma center. The two survivors were taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami. Their specific injuries and medical conditions have not been publicly disclosed.

One Person Confirmed Dead

Although initial reports focused on the two people hospitalized, authorities subsequently confirmed that one person aboard the helicopter died. The U.S. Coast Guard reported that one of the three occupants was deceased and the other two were transported by emergency medical services for additional treatment. Authorities have not publicly identified the deceased individual or the two survivors.

What Type of Helicopter Crashed?

The aircraft was identified as a Robinson R44 II, a four-seat civilian helicopter manufactured by Robinson Helicopter Company. Preliminary information indicated that the helicopter may have been conducting a photography flight when the crash occurred. Officials have not established what caused the aircraft to enter the water. Investigators will need to examine the helicopter, flight information and other available evidence before determining what happened.

NTSB Investigating Biscayne Bay Helicopter Crash

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the November 4 helicopter crash near Key Biscayne. The investigation is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the flight, the aircraft’s condition and the events leading up to the crash. The Federal Aviation Administration is also involved in the investigation. No official cause has been announced. It remains unclear whether mechanical problems, weather conditions, pilot-related factors or another issue contributed to the crash.

Developing Story in South Florida

Multiple emergency response agencies worked together to respond to the helicopter crash in Biscayne Bay and transport the surviving occupants for emergency medical care. The identities of those involved, the condition of the survivors and additional details about the flight have not yet been fully released. The investigation remains ongoing as federal investigators work to determine what led to the crash.