Indian-Origin Delta Pilot dies in US Helicopter crash hours after wedding
An Indian-origin pilot working with Delta Air Lines was killed in a tragic helicopter crash in Georgia, United States, just hours after his wedding. The 26-year-old pilot, Dave Fiji, was reportedly travelling with his newly-wed wife on a Robinson R66 helicopter when the aircraft crashed near Dawsonville in a remote wooded area.
According to reports, the couple had just completed their wedding ceremony and reception before boarding the helicopter for a short flight to DeKalb-Peachtree Airport, from where they were expected to continue their honeymoon journey. However, the helicopter never reached its destination and went down shortly after takeoff.
The crash also claimed the life of the helicopter pilot, whose identity has not yet been officially released by authorities. Dave Fiji’s wife, Jessni, a nurse by profession, survived the crash with injuries and is currently receiving treatment at a hospital in metro Atlanta.
Family members said the newlyweds had celebrated their wedding just hours before the tragedy, with nearly 400 guests attending the ceremony. Dave’s father revealed that his son had expressed concerns about weather conditions prior to the flight, particularly poor visibility, but was assured by the pilot that they would fly at a higher altitude.
Rescue teams reportedly took several hours to locate the crash site in the wooded terrain. Jessni was trapped in the wreckage for hours before being rescued. Authorities are yet to determine the exact cause of the crash, and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched a full investigation.
The incident has left the family and community in shock, turning what was meant to be a joyful beginning into a devastating tragedy.
