Boynton Beach, United States: A fatal helicopter crash in Boynton Beach, Florida, has claimed the lives of a flight instructor and a student pilot after the aircraft experienced engine trouble mid-flight, according to authorities and newly obtained air traffic control recordings.
Investigators confirmed that the victims were 28-year-old instructor Alejandro Carrasco of West Palm Beach and 52-year-old student Bryan Menna of Michigan, who were on board a training flight at the time of the accident.
According to air traffic control audio reviewed by investigators, the pilot reported a developing issue shortly before the crash. In the transmission, the pilot indicated that the helicopter was experiencing a problem and that an emergency landing in a nearby field was being attempted.
“We’re going to land here, in one of these fields; we have a problem with the helicopter,” a person on board said in the 43-second radio call obtained this Tuesday. Apparently, someone who was listening didn’t hear what was said, and another person can be heard explaining the situation. “He said he’s going to land in one of the fields; there’s a problem with the engine,” the other person says.
The communication lasted less than a minute before contact was lost. The helicopter subsequently crashed into the roof of a warehouse near South Congress Avenue at approximately 12:30 p.m., as confirmed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Aerial footage from the scene showed parts of the helicopter lodged in the building’s structure, showcasing the force of the impact. Witnesses reported seeing fluid leaking from the wreckage, though no post-crash explosion occurred.
Emergency responders quickly secured the area, and access to nearby facilities remained restricted as authorities began their investigation.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has taken the lead in determining the cause of the crash, with assistance from the FAA. Early indications point toward a possible engine malfunction, though officials have not yet confirmed a definitive cause.
The aircraft involved was identified as a Robinson R44 helicopter, a commonly used model for training flights.
FAA records showed that the helicopter belongs to Palm Beach Helicopters, a flight school in Lantana. Authorities said investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board are expected to provide more details about the cause in coming weeks.
