Three killed as tourist helicopter crashes on Hawaiian island of Kauai

Two others injured after sightseeing aircraft comes down on remote beach on Na Pali Coast A tourist helicopter crashed on a remote beach off the coast of Kauai, Hawaii, killing three people and injuring two others, authorities said. The helicopter was carrying one pilot and four passengers when it crashed on Thursday afternoon at Kalalau Beach, the Kauai fire department said. The beach is on the Na Pali coast on Kauai’s north shore. The area is otherwise reachable only by hiking or boat. The area’s geography of tall seaside cliffs and sharp mountain ridges can contribute to turbulent air and quick weather changes that pose hazards for aviation. It was the latest in a series of fatal crashes that has plagued the industry for decades. Police said three people died and two others were transported to Wilcox medical center for treatment. An email was sent to the medical center seeking the patients’ conditions. Officials identified the helicopter as being operated by Airborne Aviation, a helicopter company that does sightseeing tours of Kauai’s canyons, shoreline and waterfalls. Airborne advertises a “doors-off thrill seekers adventure tour” that accommodates up to four people. The compa