Four people were injured Saturday when a helicopter went down while taking off from North Perry Airport in Pembroke Pines, authorities said. By the time crews arrived, the pilot and passengers had already gotten out of the wrecked aircraft, and all four were taken to Memorial Regional Hospital with injuries described as non‑life‑threatening and in stable condition.
What happened
Pembroke Pines Fire Rescue crews rushed to the general‑aviation field after reports of the crash and found the helicopter with what officials called moderate damage. As reported by Local 10, all four occupants were transported to a nearby hospital. Authorities have not released the victims' names or said what might have caused the aircraft to go down.
Aircraft and investigation
The Federal Aviation Administration told reporters the helicopter involved was a Robinson R44 and that the crash happened as the aircraft was departing the airport, according to NBC 6 South Florida. The FAA typically opens an inquiry into accidents like this and is expected to examine the wreckage and any available flight data as part of its review. Pembroke Pines Police is assisting fire rescue crews at the scene.
Neighbors and airport safety
This crash is the latest in a string of recent mishaps around North Perry. A small plane overturned near the field on May 29, and the incidents have added fuel to long‑simmering concern from nearby residents about noise, safety and pollution. A recent report on residents' calls for more oversight highlighted how neighbors have been pressing officials to tighten controls at the busy training airport. Broward County, which operates North Perry, has posted solicitations for a safety assessment and a lead‑emissions screening at the facility, according to county materials.
What comes next
Investigators are expected to continue documenting the scene while emergency crews clear debris and secure the area. The FAA will handle the formal probe into what went wrong. In the meantime, officials are asking the public to steer clear of the immediate airport perimeter as the work continues and are urging anyone with information about the crash to contact Pembroke Pines Police, Local 10 notes.
