The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said a preliminary report on Wednesday’s helicopter crash in Biscayne Bay should be ready in about 15 days. A final report could take about 18 months.
A Robinson R44 II helicopter crashed Wednesday, Nov. 4, in Biscayne Bay, near Nixon Beach and Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park at Key Biscayne. According to authorities, the aircraft took off from North Perry Airport in Pembroke Pines. The crash occurred at about 11:15 a.m. local time.
The pilot, a 63-year-old man, was killed. The two other passengers, ages 52 and 27, suffered minor injuries. They were taken to a hospital but have since been released. The Miami-Dade County sheriff said three people were aboard, photographing motorboats on the water.
The NTSB is leading the investigation with help from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). According to an NTSB investigator, the flight was for a photo shoot of a “poker run” powerboat event. Registry records show the helicopter is owned by a private photography company in Pembroke Pines.
The NTSB is examining the pilot’s professional background, the aircraft’s maintenance history and the circumstances of the flight. The investigation will also assess whether stormy weather on Wednesday contributed to the crash. The cause of the crash is not yet known.
According to NTSB data, the R44 II model has been involved in 63 other accidents in the U.S. over the past five years. The agency is asking witnesses to contact it at witness@ntsb.gov.
Source: Local 10
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Source: Słoneczne Radio
