Robinson R-44 helicopter plummets into water off Miami beach after 'mechanical ... trends now
A pilot plunged his Robinson R-44 helicopter into the water near Key Biscayne on Saturday after reporting engine issues.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, who is investigating the crash, the four-seat helicopter went down around 1:50pm off the Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park.
The pilot, whose identity has not yet been disclosed, managed to escape the terrifying incident with minor injuries.
Footage recorded after the crash showed frightened beachgoers gathered at the water's edge, watching emergency officials rush to the scene to rescue the pilot.
In a video posted on the Only in Dade Instagram account, a rescue helicopter could be seen hovering above the sinking Robinson R-44.
A Robinson R-44 helicopter crashed into the water near Key Biscayne, Florida, on Saturday after the pilot reported engine issues; pictured: the sunk helicopter under the water
Emergency officials rushed to the pilot's aid as frightened onlookers watched the rescue unfold; pictured: a rescue helicopter flying above the distressed pilot
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'There was a helicopter crash,' the man filming the video narrated.
He swept the camera along the glinting Key Biscayne water.
'The helicopter crash happened somewhere over here.'
In the video, other witnesses were standing inches from the lapping waves, their eyes straining to make out the crashed helicopter.
'There's another one. And another one,' a young woman could be heard saying in reference to the approaching rescue helicopters.
Sheridan Flynn, who happened to be at the beach and witnessed the harrowing crash, took to X.com, formerly Twitter, to describe what he had seen.
'Just witnessed a helicopter crash into the water just off Key Biscayne, Miami,' Flynn wrote. 'Hope the occupants got out ok'.
Flynn said that the helicopter was flying in an unusual manner right before the crash.
'Looked like the chopper had been flying low and very close
