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NewsWPLG Local 10November 5, 2026Miami-Dade County

NTSB details investigation timeline following fatal helicopter crash in Biscayne Bay

Photo: WPLG Local 10

Federal authorities scheduled a Thursday press briefing regarding a helicopter crash in Biscayne Bay that resulted in the pilot's death and minor injuries for two passengers. The crashed aircraft, registered to Global Aerials Inc. and piloted by Tomás Pendas, went down Wednesday near Nixon Beach. A nearby boater and Customs and Border Protection agents assisted the survivors before they were hospitalized and released.

Aviation SafetyEmergency ServicesTransportation Accidents
Read the full story at WPLG Local 10

Why It Matters

The incident highlights aviation safety concerns in local airspace and prompts an ongoing federal investigation into the cause of the helicopter crash.

Key Facts

  • A helicopter crashed into Biscayne Bay around 11:15 a.m. on Wednesday near Nixon Beach.
  • 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.
  • The helicopter was a rented aircraft registered to Global Aerials Inc. and was reportedly recording watercraft.
  • A nearby boater performed CPR on the pilot and called for emergency help.
  • Customs and Border Protection agents assisted in rescuing the survivors and transferring them to shore.
  • The NTSB and FAA are investigating the cause of the accident, with a scheduled press conference in Coral Gables on Thursday at 1:30 p.m.

Who's Mentioned

OrganizationCentro de Trauma Ryder del Hospital Jackson Memorial“Hospital where one of the survivors was transported by helicopter.”PersonTomás Pendas“Pilot of the crashed helicopter who died at the scene.”OrganizationAdministración Federal de Aviación“Federal agency investigating the cause of the accident.”PersonRosie Cordero-Stutz“Miami-Dade Sheriff providing details on the rented helicopter.”OrganizationOficina del Sheriff de Miami-Dade“Law enforcement agency working at the crash site.”locationMiami“City where authorities provided information on the crash.”PersonRyan McCoy“52-year-old survivor of the helicopter crash with minor injuries.”locationPembroke Pines“City where Global Aerials Inc. is based.”locationbahía de Biscayne“Body of water where the helicopter crashed.”PersonRyan Ferraro“27-year-old survivor of the helicopter crash with minor injuries.”OrganizationJunta Nacional de Seguridad en el Transporte“Federal board investigating the crash and holding a press conference.”locationKey Biscayne“Location near the crash site.”locationNixon Beach“Sandbar area near where the helicopter fell.”OrganizationGlobal Aerials Inc.“Pembroke Pines-based company owning the crashed helicopter.”OrganizationOficina de Aduanas y Protección Fronteriza de Estados Unidos“Federal agency that helped rescue survivors on the water.”locationCoral Gables“Location near the crash site and where the NTSB press conference is scheduled.”