Fatal Helicopter Accident off Key Biscayne Near Nixon Beach, FL, on November 04, 2026

A Robinson R44 helicopter carrying three men crashed into Biscayne Bay near Nixon Beach off Key Biscayne, Florida, at about 11:15 a.m. Wednesday, November 4, 2026. The Federal Aviation Administration placed the crash in the water east of 1200 Crandon Blvd.

The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office identified the pilot, Tomas Pendas, 63, as the man pronounced dead at the scene. The other occupants, Ryan McCoy, 52, and Ryan Ferraro, 27, sustained minor injuries. Both were airlifted to Ryder Trauma Center and later released from the hospital, according to updated information from authorities.

Preliminary findings indicated that the commercial helicopter was filming boats traveling south before it went down. Flight-tracking information showed the aircraft had departed North Perry Airport in Broward County and reached Biscayne Bay minutes later. Tracking also showed the helicopter looping back near Nixon Beach before the crash.

The sheriff’s office said it received a mayday distress call at about 11:30 a.m. Responders searched the area near Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park.

Sheriff’s Marine Patrol units responded alongside Key Biscayne police and fire-rescue personnel. They found a boater performing CPR on one of the men. Marine Patrol officers took over the lifesaving efforts and brought him to the dock at No Name Harbor. City of Miami Fire Rescue crews also attempted to save him.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations located the two other occupants and brought them to the same dock before their hospital transport. Rescue personnel established a staging area in the parking lot at Boater’s Grill inside the state park. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue and state wildlife personnel also provided mutual aid during the response.

Aerial footage showed the helicopter floating upside down in the bay, supported by yellow flotation devices on its skids.

The National Transportation Safety Board will lead the investigation into the crash, with the FAA also investigating its cause. The sheriff’s office’s Homicide Bureau is conducting the death investigation.