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NewsWPLG Local 10 – Main FeedNovember 5, 2026Miami-Dade County

Federal authorities provide updates on fatal Biscayne Bay helicopter crash

Photo: WPLG Local 10 – Main Feed

Federal and local authorities are investigating a helicopter crash in Biscayne Bay that resulted in the death of the pilot and left two passengers with minor injuries. The helicopter, which crashed near Nixon Beach on Wednesday, was reportedly filming boats when it went down. Investigators and rescue teams, including the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, responded to the scene.

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Why It Matters

The incident highlights aviation safety risks during commercial aerial filming in local waterways, prompting ongoing federal investigations by the and .

Key Facts

  • A helicopter crashed into Biscayne Bay near Nixon Beach around 11:15 a.m. on Wednesday.
  • The pilot, 63-year-old Tomás Pendas, died at the scene.
  • Two passengers, 52-year-old Ryan McCoy and 27-year-old Ryan Ferraro, survived with minor injuries and were released from the hospital by Thursday.
  • A nearby boater witnessed the crash, rendered CPR to the pilot, and placed an emergency call.
  • U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents assisted in rescuing the survivors and transporting them to shore.
  • The helicopter was a rental aircraft registered to Global Aerials Inc., based in Pembroke Pines and owned by Pendas.
  • According to the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office, the helicopter was reportedly filming boats in the water at the time of the crash.
  • The NTSB and FAA are investigating the accident, with the NTSB scheduling a press conference on Thursday at 1:30 p.m. in Coral Gables.

Who's Mentioned

PersonTomás Pendas“Pilot who died in the helicopter crash”OrganizationAdministración Federal de Aviación“Investigating the cause of the crash”PersonRosie Cordero-Stutz“Miami-Dade Sheriff”OrganizationOficina del Sheriff de Miami-Dade“Law enforcement agency responding to the crash”locationMiami“City where the report originates”PersonRyan McCoy“Survivor of the helicopter crash”locationPembroke Pines“Base location of Global Aerials Inc.”locationbahía de Biscayne“Site of the helicopter crash”PersonRyan Ferraro“Survivor of the helicopter crash”OrganizationJunta Nacional de Seguridad en el Transporte“Investigating the cause of the crash”locationKey Biscayne“Location near the crash site”OrganizationHospital Jackson Memorial“Location of the Ryder Trauma Center”locationNixon Beach“Area of the sandbar near the crash”OrganizationGlobal Aerials Inc.“Pembroke Pines company owning the crashed helicopter”OrganizationOficina de Aduanas y Protección Fronteriza de Estados Unidos“Federal agency that assisted in the rescue”locationCoral Gables“Location near the crash site and press conference”