FAA shows no license for Miami area helicopter crash pilot
Summary
Aircraft Florida Today in Florida: On June 20, 2026, a Sky Helicopter Tours Robinson R44 helicopter crashed at North Perry Airport in Broward County, Florida, during takeoff. The pilot, Marcelo Andrade, 56, of Dania Beach, told investigators the helicopter drifted left shortly after lifting into a hover and he applied right cyclic control to correct. The helicopter had been categorized for 'Agriculture and Pest Control,' which prohibited carrying passengers. A 39-year-old man and two children were sent to the hospital. The FAA database shows no pilot certificate for Andrade, and the helicopter tour company claimed its tours were conducted by FAA-certified pilots.
Publicly reported parties
| Name | Role | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Francisco Diaz Pascual | Unknown | Hospitalized |
| Marcelo Andrade | Unknown | Hospitalized |
| Sky Helicopter Tours | Unknown | Unknown |
Original reporting
FAA shows no license for Miami area helicopter crash pilot | Miami Herald