Follow-up: Pilot Killed in Biscayne Bay Helicopter Crash Identified; Two Survivors Released From Hospital
The pilot killed when a helicopter crashed into Biscayne Bay on Nov. 4 was identified on Nov. 5, and the two survivors have been released from the hospital. According to the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office, Thomas Pendas, 63, died piloting the helicopter that went down in waters near Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. He was president of Global Aerial Photography, the company that owned the helicopter.
The aircraft, a Robinson R44 II, was filming boats taking part in a 'poker run' event. The other two people aboard — Ryan McCoy, 52, and Ryan Ferraro, 27, owner of the digital marine marketing firm Boats Daily — suffered only minor injuries and have been discharged. When rescue boats reached the scene, a good Samaritan was attempting to rescue Pendas. An investigator with the National Transportation Safety Board said the inquiry will examine the pilot, the machine and the environment to reconstruct the final moments of the flight.
The wreckage has been recovered from the water, and the cause of the crash remains under investigation.
(Source: Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office)
Related: Helicopter crashes into Biscayne Bay off Key Biscayne on Nov. 4, killing 1 and injuring 2
Source: Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office
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Photo: 图：迈阿密-戴德县政府大楼。（GSM 固定图库） / Photo: The Miami-Dade County government building.
- 2026-11-04Helicopter Crashes Into Biscayne Bay Near Key Biscayne on November 4, Killing 1 and Injuring 2
- 2026-11-05Follow-up: Pilot Killed in Biscayne Bay Helicopter Crash Identified; Two Survivors Released From HospitalThis story
