Pilot Dies in Biscayne Bay Helicopter Crash

The Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office identified Pendas as the pilot who died after the helicopter went down in Biscayne Bay near Key Biscayne at about 11 a.m. on November 4. McCoy and Ferraro, the other two men aboard, sustained minor injuries and were released from the hospital, the office said.

A passerby tried to help Pendas before sheriff's marine units arrived and continued the rescue effort. First responders attempted to save him but were unsuccessful. The federal border agency's aviation and maritime division found McCoy and Ferraro in the water and brought them to No Name Harbor. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue transported both to a local hospital.

The Robinson R44 took off from North Perry Airport in Pembroke Pines at about 10:48 a.m. A preliminary investigation indicated that the helicopter appeared to have been chartered to film boats as it headed south. The aircraft came down near Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, and images showed it overturned and partially submerged.

Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz said a Good Samaritan was already trying to bring Pendas toward shore when marine units reached the scene. Several local and federal agencies took part in the response.

The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash. Sheriff's homicide detectives are handling the death investigation. Authorities have not determined what caused the helicopter to go down.