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KEY BISCAYNE, Miami-Dade County, Fla., Nov. 4, 2026 — One person died, and two others were critically injured on Wednesday morning, November 4, when a helicopter went down in Biscayne Bay off Key Biscayne, according to the Miami-Dade County Sheriff's Office.
The Robinson R44 crashed into the water near Bill Baggs State Park around 11 a.m., the Federal Aviation Administration said. Three adult men were on board and had reportedly been taking photos of boats near the park when the aircraft went down. Their identities have not been released.
When Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office marine units reached the scene, they found a bystander already trying to pull one of the men to shore, Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz said at a news conference. First responders tried to revive him, but he did not survive.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations located the two other men from the helicopter and brought them to a dock at No Name Harbor. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue airlifted both to a hospital, where they were listed in critical but stable condition.
No cause has been determined. "We don't have a cause for the crash," Cordero-Stutz said, adding that the sheriff's office is working with the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board. The FAA said the NTSB will lead the investigation, with the sheriff's office also investigating.
We extend our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased.
More on Crashes in Key Biscayne, FL
This crash happened in Key Biscayne, FL. We cover crashes across Miami-Dade County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Miami-Dade County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should someone do immediately after witnessing or being involved in a crash like this?
Call 911 right away, move to safety if possible, and let trained responders handle water or air rescues. Avoid entering hazardous conditions without proper equipment, and wait for instructions from emergency crews on scene.
Where do aircraft and boating accidents like this tend to happen?
Incidents involving small aircraft over water commonly occur near coastlines, bays, and recreational boating areas, where low-altitude sightseeing or photography flights are common.
What injuries are most common in helicopter or small aircraft crashes?
Survivors frequently suffer traumatic injuries including fractures, head and spinal injuries, and injuries from impact with water. Submersion and drowning risk is also a major concern in water landings.
Who investigates a crash like this?
The National Transportation Safety Board typically leads investigations into aircraft crashes, working alongside the FAA and local law enforcement agencies to determine the cause.
