An Indian-origin Delta Air Lines pilot was killed in a Dawsonville helicopter crash after his wedding in Georgia, according to family accounts and federal aviation details.
Dave Fiji, 26, an Atlanta resident and Delta pilot, was among two people who died when a Robinson R66 helicopter crashed near Dawsonville in Dawson County at about 10:30 PM EDT on Friday, May 29, 2026. His wife, Jessni, survived with injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital. The helicopter pilot also died.
Dawsonville Helicopter Crash Happened After Georgia Wedding
The couple had celebrated their wedding at The Revere in Dawsonville before boarding the helicopter for a flight toward Peachtree-DeKalb Airport and a hotel in downtown Atlanta. Family members said hundreds of guests attended the celebration before the late-night departure.
Dave’s parents, George and Pheba Fiji, had emigrated from Kerala’s Ernakulam district to the United States. Jessni’s family also has roots in Kerala’s Alappuzha district.
According to George Fiji, weather conditions worsened after the reception, with fog and rain affecting visibility. He said Dave, who had commercial flying experience, was concerned about the conditions before the helicopter departed.
FAA Confirms Robinson R66 Had Three People Aboard
The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that three people were aboard the Robinson R66 when it crashed near Dawsonville. Emergency crews faced rugged, wooded terrain while trying to reach the wreckage.
George Fiji said Jessni was trapped beneath wreckage and fallen trees for several hours before rescuers reached her. He said she suffered cuts and bruises but did not have broken bones.
The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation into the Robinson R66 crash. A preliminary report is expected within 30 days, though officials have not yet announced a cause.
The crash has drawn attention from both Georgia’s Indian-origin community and aviation safety observers because it involved a wedding flight, difficult weather conditions, and a federal investigation into what happened during the short late-night trip.
