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NTSB Report
January 25, 1993 · Fairchild Hiller FH-1100 · N427FH
Volcano Natl Pk, HI
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 25, 1993
Injury Outcomes
5 injuries (4 fatalities, 1 minor injury)
Location
Volcano Natl Pk, HI
Aircraft
Fairchild Hiller FH-1100
Tail Number
N427FH
Operator
Kainoa Aviation
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
LAX93LA104
THE PILOT HAD TAKEN THE 4 PASSENGERS OF A TOUR GROUP ON A SIGHTSEEING FLIGHT. WHILE NEAR THE VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK, HE ELECTED TO HOVER NEAR THE SHORELINE BETWEEN 100 AND 150 FT ASL. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO RESUME FORWARD FLIGHT, A TOTAL LEFT PEDAL FAILURE OCCURRED. THE HELICOPTER BEGAN TO SPIN AND HE LOST CONTROL. THE PILOT PERFORMED AN AUTOROTATIVE DESCENT AND TOUCHED DOWN IN THE PACIFIC OCEAN. A WAVE SWAMPED THE HELICOPTER AND IT SANK. THE HELICOPTER WAS NOT EQUIPPED WITH FLOATS, AND NONE OF THE PASSENGERS WERE WEARING A LIFEVEST. THE PILOT WAS THE ONLY SURVIVOR.
NTSB Probable Cause
A LOSS OF TAIL ROTOR CONTROL FOR AN UNDETERMINED REASON(S). A FACTOR WHICH CONTRIBUTED TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S CHOICE OF A HOVER ALTITUDE/POSITION INADEQUATE TO REACH A SHORELINE IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY. A FACTOR WHICH CONTRIBUTED TO THE SEVERITY OF THE PASSENGERS' INJURIES WAS THE OPERATOR'S FAILURE TO PROVIDE PASSENGERS WITH LIFEVESTS.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT HAD TAKEN THE 4 PASSENGERS OF A TOUR GROUP ON A SIGHTSEEING FLIGHT. WHILE NEAR THE VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK, HE ELECTED TO HOVER NEAR THE SHORELINE BETWEEN 100 AND 150 FT ASL. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO RESUME FORWARD FLIGHT, A TOTAL LEFT PEDAL FAILURE OCCURRED. THE HELICOPTER BEGAN TO SPIN AND HE LOST CONTROL. THE PILOT PERFORMED AN AUTOROTATIVE DESCENT AND TOUCHED DOWN IN THE PACIFIC OCEAN. A WAVE SWAMPED THE HELICOPTER AND IT SANK. THE HELICOPTER WAS NOT EQUIPPED WITH FLOATS, AND NONE OF THE PASSENGERS WERE WEARING A LIFEVEST. THE PILOT WAS THE ONLY SURVIVOR.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:30 HST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftFairchild Hiller FH-1100
Tail NumberN427FH
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageDestroyed
OperatorKainoa Aviation
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · 250-C18 · Turboshaft · 317
Seats5
People & Injuries
Injury Summary5 injuries (4 fatalities, 1 minor injury)
Fatal4
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total5
Crew 1Age 41 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind200° @ 4 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point57
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time04:54
Weather SourceWFAC