Overview
- The Robinson R66 departed a Dawsonville wedding venue and crashed shortly after takeoff Friday night at about 10:30 pm with three people on board, the FAA confirmed.
- Dave Fiji, a Delta/Endeavor Air first officer, and the helicopter pilot were killed and the bride, identified as Jessni, survived and is hospitalized after being trapped under wreckage for roughly five to six hours.
- Rescuers faced dense, rugged forest on a city‑owned wildlife tract and used off‑road vehicles and crews to cut through vegetation, which delayed locating and freeing the survivor.
- Family members say weather had deteriorated with rain and fog before takeoff and that Mr. Fiji expressed concern about zero visibility while the pilot reportedly elected to climb to a higher altitude; the aircraft is operated by Prestige Helicopters, which says it has a long safety record.
- The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation and will examine weather, flight operations and wreckage with a preliminary factual report expected in about 30 days as the local community and family mourn.