A Georgia helicopter crash turned a newlywed couple’s wedding night into a heartbreaking tragedy.
A newlywed groom and a helicopter pilot died Friday night after a Robinson R66 helicopter crashed in a wooded area near Dawsonville, Georgia, shortly after leaving a wedding venue, officials and family members said.
The bride survived the crash and was taken to a hospital with injuries. Family members told local media she is expected to recover physically, though relatives said the emotional loss is overwhelming.
The Federal Aviation Administration said the helicopter crashed around 10:35 p.m. local time on Friday, May 29, near Dawsonville. Three people were on board. The FAA said it will investigate with the National Transportation Safety Board, and the NTSB will lead the investigation. Federal Aviation Administration
Couple Had Just Left Their Wedding
The groom was identified by family as Dave Fiji. Multiple reports said he was 25, while some later reporting listed him as 26.
Dave and his bride, Jesni Fiji, had just celebrated their wedding at The Revere, a venue in Dawsonville. They boarded the helicopter after the reception and were headed toward the Atlanta area, according to family members who spoke with Atlanta News First and WSB.
The couple planned to continue their celebration and begin their honeymoon. Instead, the helicopter went down in a densely wooded area not far from the venue.
Atlanta News First reported that the helicopter was operated by Prestige Helicopters and that the pilot also died in the crash. The local report can be read at Atlanta News First.
Rescuers Used Chainsaws to Reach the Wreckage
The crash site was difficult to reach because it was in thick woods. Rescue crews used off road vehicles and chainsaws to cut through the area and reach the wreckage.
Dawson County officials said emergency crews responded after receiving a report of a possible downed helicopter. The search took hours as crews worked through rough terrain and poor conditions.
People reported that Jesni, a nurse, was trapped under wreckage for hours before rescuers reached her. The same report said she survived with injuries and is expected to physically recover. People
The pilot has been identified in some reporting as Nikhil Nargundkar. Authorities had not released all final investigative details as of the latest public updates.
Weather Concerns Are Part of the Investigation
Family members told WSB that Dave, who was also a pilot for Delta Air Lines, had expressed concern about flying in rain, fog, and low visibility before the flight.
Dave’s father, George Fiji, said his son understood aviation risks and was worried about the weather conditions. Investigators have not yet said whether weather caused or contributed to the crash.
The NTSB is expected to examine several factors, including weather, aircraft systems, pilot actions, flight path, maintenance records, and any available communications.
The NTSB says its aviation investigations focus on determining probable cause and issuing safety recommendations when needed. More information about the agency’s process is available through the National Transportation Safety Board.
Family Remembers a Joyful Wedding Before the Crash
Dave’s parents described the wedding as beautiful and joyful before tragedy struck. His father told local reporters that his son had been extremely happy that day.
Family members said Dave and Jesni had known each other for years and shared a deep faith. Relatives described Dave as kind, generous, and devoted to the people he loved.
People reported that hundreds attended the wedding and that the ceremony had been described by family as “perfect.” The crash happened only hours after the couple exchanged vows.
The sudden loss has left relatives, friends, and the couple’s faith community grieving what should have been the start of a new life together.
Investigation Remains Ongoing
The FAA confirmed the aircraft type as a Robinson R66 helicopter. The NTSB will lead the federal investigation and provide updates as more information becomes available.
Investigators often release a preliminary report within weeks, but a final report can take much longer. Officials have not announced a final cause.
For now, the confirmed facts are painfully simple. A newlywed couple left their wedding by helicopter. The aircraft crashed in the woods. The groom and pilot died, and the bride survived.
The tragedy has spread widely because it began with celebration and ended in loss. A wedding night meant to launch a marriage instead became a devastating aviation investigation and a family’s deepest heartbreak.