Unexpected helicopter landing in Key Largo

Federal aviation authorities are investigating after a helicopter from Miami landed at a Key Largo hotel Monday night.

There were no injuries to the commercial pilot and four passengers aboard the 1978 Bell 206 helicopter after it landed at the Key Largo Bay Marriott Beach Resort at 8:31 p.m.

The helicopter is operated by the company Miami Helicopter.

Deputies Ignacio Molina and Cody Jackson noticed the low-flying helicopter and followed it to the hotel. An employee at the hotel stated they have a landing pad for helicopters, which both Deputies described as a poorly lit dock. The employee stated they were not expecting a helicopter to land that evening.

Deputy Molina asked the pilot if he was having mechanical issues. The pilot stated he was not having mechanical issues.

The pilot stated his company made arrangements with the hotel to fly four customers to the hotel for dinner and to fly the customers back to Miami thereafter, so there was some confusion about the helicopter’s arrival.

Federal aviation authorities were notified and the aircraft was grounded for the night pending their investigation into whether all federal protocols/procedures were followed for the night landing. Deputies noted the pilot was cooperative and provided his licenses and registration prior to the incident being handed over to federal authorities.

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