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NTSB Report
September 26, 1985 · Aerospatiale AS350D · N4268V
Kula, HI
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 26, 1985
Injury Outcomes
6 injuries (1 fatality, 5 minor injuries)
Location
Kula, HI
Aircraft
Aerospatiale AS350D
Tail Number
N4268V
Operator
Papillon Helicopters
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX85FA402
THE HELICOPTER COLLIDED WITH TERRAIN WHILE ON A SIGHTSEEING TOUR. THE PLT STATED THAT THE HELICOPTER LOST ALT AS HE ATTEMPTED TO CROSS POWER LINES. DIRECTIONAL CONTROL WAS LOST DURING THE ENSUING DOWN WIND EMERGENCY LANDING. THE HELICOPTER CONTACTED THE MOUNTAIN AND ROLLED ONTO ITS RIGHT SIDE. THE ACFT FLT MANUAL INDICATES THAT AT THE ACFT'S GROSSWEIGHT WHEN THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED, THE MAX HOVER IN GROUND EFFECT (HIGE) ALT CAPABILITY IS 7900 FT. THE ELEVATION AT THE ACCIDENT SITE WAS 9700 FT.
Full Narrative
THE HELICOPTER COLLIDED WITH TERRAIN WHILE ON A SIGHTSEEING TOUR. THE PLT STATED THAT THE HELICOPTER LOST ALT AS HE ATTEMPTED TO CROSS POWER LINES. DIRECTIONAL CONTROL WAS LOST DURING THE ENSUING DOWN WIND EMERGENCY LANDING. THE HELICOPTER CONTACTED THE MOUNTAIN AND ROLLED ONTO ITS RIGHT SIDE. THE ACFT FLT MANUAL INDICATES THAT AT THE ACFT'S GROSSWEIGHT WHEN THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED, THE MAX HOVER IN GROUND EFFECT (HIGE) ALT CAPABILITY IS 7900 FT. THE ELEVATION AT THE ACCIDENT SITE WAS 9700 FT.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:00 HST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftAerospatiale AS350D
Tail NumberN4268V
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorPapillon Helicopters
Operating RulePart 135
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsLycoming · LTS-101A2 · Turboshaft · 616
Seats6
People & Injuries
Injury Summary6 injuries (1 fatality, 5 minor injuries)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor5
Uninjured0
Total6
Crew 1Age 40 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind170° @ 7 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 4500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point68 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time21:00
Weather SourceWFAC