NTSB: “This tragedy should never have occurred.” Update on Hawaii Helicopter Tours and Visitor Safety.
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NTSB: “This tragedy should never have occurred.” Update on Hawaii Helicopter Tours and Visitor Safety.
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Does this Helecopter article impact my decision to book a tour? Absolutely. I grew up in the islands and am very familiar with these accidents. The noise in residential areas disrupt the otherwise tranquility we all want to experience. When asked for my advise of mainland friends about where to go and what to see, helicopter tours are not on the list. There are many wonderful things to see that are only possible from the air, but one must research carefully the companies, their helicopters and the skill of their pilots. And I remind them of the very extreme weather patterns and sudden changes that can and do occur here.
I’ve maintained since leaving the Marine Corps and spending time in helicopters that flying around in helicopters is an unnatural death wish. Someone else’s carelessness and in this case, the failure of a government regulatory agency in enforcing safety measures means you’ve given control for your safety to strangers with whom you have no history nor acquaintance. Life has risks for sure, but why take unnecessary ones. Hawaii is beautiful from the ground and that’s where I’ll keep my feet.
We took an “open door” helicopter tour in January with Jack Harter Helicopters knowing the risks involved and we gladly accepted those risks. It was an exhilarating experience and would like to do it again someday. From riding in helicopter or a car or an airplane or just walking down the street, life is full of risks and if you’re not willing to accept them, you’ll miss out on a lot in life.
Back in a previous run at this subject, some presented the importance of experienced pilots using lots of hours. Back around 2000, I found our tour pilots had 10000 to 20k hours often with military experience. In reading this report, pilot had a ton experience; wasn’t he the senior pilot? I think the NTSB assigning blame on the pilot and the FAA is just a repeat of many copter and fixed-wing aircraft. So, what are the safety requirements and how to enforce them. Perhaps the structure should give the NTSB more power and avoid having the inherent conflict of the FAA with its dual mission of promoting air travel and safety. Thank you for the update. I’ve had multiple tours on Blue Hawaiian, Jack Harter, Manoa Loa, Air Kauai.
In late 80’s my wife and I were on Kaui and had scheduled a helicopter trip. That morning was “socked in” and we were told to call back later. When we called back they said the weather was getting better and we should get to the airport. On the ride from Poipu Beach to Lihui we heard that one of the Trump Organization helicopters crashed on the Garden State Parkway. We looked at each other in the car and decided that the odds of 2 helicopter crashes meant that we should go on the flight. We went and had a great time dropping down into Waimea Canyon and up the Na Pali coast.
Aloha and thanks for this in depth report. We have flown Blue Hawaiian exclusively for each of our tours on the Big Island, Maui and Kauai. One of us, me, was totally paranoid on our first tour. Once the tingling stopped, I couldn’t wait to go again and again and again. We’ve had great experiences with Blue Hawaiian. Honestly, if it’s your time, it could happen crossing the street.
I have been traveling to Hawaii for the past 50 years. I will not take a helicopter ride in Hawaii. I once took one to Catalina. Too many accidents.
A typical airplane with engine failure can often glide into some kind of a landing. Not so, in a helicopter.
This is not accurate. Autorotation is the way in which helicopters or rotary winged aircraft can make an emergency landing if they have lost main rotor power. It is a required technique for single engine helicopters in order to obtain a type rating certificate. It is also practiced often as it can be a needed skill.
For reference see USA Federal Aviation Regulations, § 27.71 Autorotation Performance.
Even though the Federal Aviation Regulations allow rotor craft pilots to fly in 1-mile visibility, the pilot should have adhered to the FAR for VFR minimums (3-mile visibility and clear of clouds) for fixed winged operations. Pilots risk spatial disorientation as well as collisions if they ignore these rules.
As a senior citizen who cannot hike Hawaii’s trails, I am glad that there are alternate ways to see the islands. Over the years,I have enjoyed Blue Hawaiian and Sunshine helicopter rides to admire the Na Pali coastline, as well as the topography of Hawaii Island and Maui. I rely on the business owners to provide up to date pilot training. The FAA and local government agencies, regardless of ever-unpopular regulations, need to drill the “safety first” mantra into its edicts, and work collaboratively with business owners for win-win results.
I love flying, always have. But I have done only 1 helicopter tour, which was out of Hilo w/Blue Hawaiian, in one of their big Eco-Star copters.
I’ll never forget sitting on a commercial airlines flight next to a man who grew up on Lana’i as his dad was a Dole executive. He flat out told me he would never, ever fly a heli tour on Hawai’i, due to the history of fatal crashes, the incredible # of microclimates, very rapid weather changes in the mountains, low visibility, etc. Having spent months in Hawai’i, I quite agree & will stick to fixed wings as they At least have options if they get in trouble. Helicopters? Not so much. JMHO
Thanks for the info!
I like how you explained that even though a lot of people have lost their lives to helicopter flying, many more have done it safely. I know a lot of people might just assume that helicopters are dangerous. I hope they come to realize that they are wrong and that more often than not, those tours are perfectly safe.
Let me see if I can insert something from personal experience and a LOT of time in professional aviation …
I have over 30K flight hours from the USN and the commercial airlines — and nearly 100 hours of Part 135 Bell 206 helicopter time as well. The ONLY reason I mention my quals and experience is because:
The commercial, on-demand charter helicopter industry, IMO, is one of the least qualified and more “dodgy” places to be when you want to take a “sightseeing trip”. I was also the Director of Operations for a helicopter company in Texas that did MedEvac, offshore oil, and on-demand charter. The pilots were marginally qualified and none could make the transition into the airlines — where 99% of them would “like” to be, no matter what they might say.
So you want to take your Hawaiian “experience” up a notch?? I suggest, based upon experience, that you go somewhere else — rather than the charter helicopter market.
Agree or disagree … IMO, that’s what it is … so what’s your life worth??
100 hours Part 135 as what? I call BS . Are you a pilot ? Fake info. Fake news
Aloha,
I think I will pass on helicopter tours in Hawaii for two reasons. I question the safety for one, and second, after our last trip to Kauai, the number of helicopters flying around Ke’e Beach on our one afternoon there was really distracting. Here we are in one of the most remote places in the world and there was always at least one helicopter hovering nearby. Before the sound of one would die away you could hear another in the distance. I do not think I would enjoy myself seeing the islands from the sky knowing that it detracted from the beauty and peace on the ground, and I especially feel for those that actually live on the islands. Just say no to helicopters in Hawaii! Thanks for letting me express my opinion.
Hi Tammy.
Well said. Thank you.
Aloha.
I had a 3 island flight with Pacific doors off and when in the Iao valley I felt like we could have crashed but the pilot was very calm and rode the winds though I got very dizzy I’m glad we didn’t crash so deep in the mountains.
The winds where blowing in multiple directions and a bit stormy but not too crazy. Makes me think how any little think can put a heli into a bad situation.
Hello again. This incident seems a little different from a preliminary indication of a mechanical problem (warning light – an early report said rotor, and mention of the copter was rotating which is consistent with a rotor problem), while the preliminary report on the recent Safari crash seems to imply pilot error. Both the Molokai and 2000 Maui fatals with Blue Hawaiian cite pilot error. Both the Novictor and the fatal in Pearl Harbor look like mechanical problems. Of my 15 copter tours on the islands, I have flown Blue Hawaiian out of Waikoloa and Hilo (as well as Maui and Kauai), and have felt confident about their maintenance and staff. However, this rash of incidents in a short time has caused me to pause and reflect. Perhaps a previous comment about the fixed-wing tours feeling safer (I’ve done them on Oahu and Kauai). I was starting to shy away from Mauna Loa because of comments about the Robinson copter and now the bird I thought was most reliable is in question. I’m back on Oahu in January and will reflect whether I should continue my love the copter tours because of safety. And finally, the safety rules being talked about for the most part don’t address this crash. Thank for the opportunity to comment.
Hi Thomas.
Thank you.
Aloha.
Which Novictor accident? Not a single one was mechanical.
It seems that one quick and relatively inexpensive change that could be enacted immediately would be to require ground warning alarm systems in all commercial helicopters used for tours, etc. Honestly, it should be in every new model made and retrofitted to existing copters. We did a helicopter tour with our two daughters years ago on Kauai and it was a wonderful, memorable experience, but knowing what I do now I’d be less likely to do it again. My husband and I did a second tour in 2010 in a small plane, but it wasn’t nearly as enjoyable. Much safer, though!!!
My wife and I recently took a helicopter tour of Maui and Moloki. I was concerned that it was too windy to fly but because the trade winds are always blowing it seems to be the norm here to fly anyway. The flight was fairly smooth around and over the islands but I think going into narrow canyons to view waterfalls up close is just dangerous. I was happy our pilot avoided going into any cloud banks given the recent Kobe crash. I’m not one for over-regulation but given the history of copter accidents in Hawaii I think to rules should be tightened up.
Comment about pilot “hours”: I recall: The Blue Hawaiian on Maui that crashed in the early 2000s had a pilot with many thousands of hours, but had a citation or two for safety violations with a previous employer. The recent Safari incident was the lead pilot I believe. The Jack Harter crash in the smaller copter was a Navy vet who investigated accidents at the end of his career. The red Robinson that went down on Oahu was their owner or manager? I don’t know anything about the pilot in the Pearl Harbor incident but I understand the person in the back couldn’t release the seatbelt. I was appalled recently on the Big Island that my wife had trouble release the seatbelt upon a safe landing. I appreciate the info provided on the Robinson and having flown the bird 4 times on the islands, perhaps I’ve been lucky. I also, in conversation, ask the pilot questions before flights. The MAJOR point that’s different than 20 years ago is I encounter fewer military pilots and more and more pilots who received their initial training in Europe and than licensed in the US. That last guy almost raised a no-fly flag and turned out to be one of the most attentive to flying and less of tour guide which I appreciated. Thanks for you ear. I think I’ve done maybe 15 or 16 chopper tours here.
Thanks Thomas.
Aloha.
Aloha! There are many other ways to see and enjoy the beauty of the islands other than by helicopter, and with the risk of flying in one being high, it is a “thrill” I can do without. I’ll keep my feet on the ground and go hiking instead. Or maybe even ride a bike.
Mahalo for all the information and insight you provide.
Hi Debi.
Thank you.
Aloha.
I recall when when there were numerous fixed wing aircraft doing tours. Even Hawaiian Airlines used to fly a 4 engine
turboprop (Dash 7) “Island in the Sky” tour, it was awesome! The fixed wing tours had a much better safety record then the helicopter tours had….I think Hawaiian Air Tours (no relation to Hawaiian Air) started back in the 1950’s till the 1980’s and never had an accident.
Personally I would rather get in a safe fixed wing aircraft and see more of the islands then hover around in a helicopter anyway.
Whatever happened to all the cool fixed wing aircraft tours that used to be available?
Aloha –
Just noticed your line “With this week’s tragic helicopter crash involving Coby Bryant, Hawaii helicopter tour safety comes back to the forefront again.” has Kobe’s name spelled wrong – it appears correct on the title, though. As always, mahalo for the informative article!
Hi Jessica.
Fixed. Thanks so much!
Aloha.
It’s a small correction, but in honor of him, please correct the spelling of his name in the beginning of your article. “Kobe” not “Coby”
Cheers!
Dear Lord have mercy on the loved ones left behind
JM
I’d like you to explain what you meant by “financial considerations” that force the companies to fly. We have noticed more than once on Kauai helicopters flying in bad weather and have wondered why they were flying in such poor conditions. Thank you.
Tour companies fly the “Mission” not the “Safety”. Everyone one knows money talks in this industry.
It won’t be on an R44!
Very Sad to hear. Thoughts and Prayers to the Families of these 7 People. I understand conditions were challenging on this flight. Perhaps someone saw or heard something in the Canyon?
Na ke Akua e hōʻoluʻolu i nā ʻohana a me nā hoa o ka poʻe i nalowale i ko lākou ola.
Very heartbreaking to read about. As someone who works in aviation, I understand the fascination with wanting to take a helicopter tour. But I personally wouldn’t trust them. RIP to all those who died
Aloha, please pray for all those involved in this accident, including all family and friends, mahalo
Thank you for the informative article. You’ve included much more than I’ve seen on regular news sites.
So sad.
Thanks Lanell!
Aloha.
I was a passenger on a Blue Hawaiian aircraft that had an “unscheduled/hard landing” on Maui in 1999. I thank God and am happy to report there were no fatalities. Talk about a life changer.
Robinson helicopters are more dangerous than other type helicopters for two reasons: they are some of the cheapest to operate and own due to the fact that they are NOT turbine powered. Piston engines are less reliable than turbines. The Robinson’s often have low time pilots flying them who sometimes make poor choices. I just heard of a helicopter tour operator who will hire pilots with a minimum of 300 hours !! A 300 hour pilot in a Robinson is an accident waiting to happen.
True on the Robinsons being risky for un-experienced pilots but its not from lack of turbine. The piston engines like Lycoming’s or Continental are extremely reliable and most switch to turbine for more power and less weight not for safety. As a pilot myself all tour companies must abide to FAA Part 135 which requires 500 min hours for VFR. The problem with Robinsons is a condition called mast bumping and low g roll over. Basically in a low G maneuver which turbulence can cause the blades can contact the tail boom and basically shred it off. Experienced pilots know how to avoid these conditions.
I’m trying to locate ether Steve Alexander or his wife Shelly, they had a helicopter operation in Hawaii Alex Air Service was the name i think, I used to work for them and there father (MR>A) back in Torrance CA. can anyone please forward any information to me.
Thanks in advance.
Andrew S.
Hi Andrew.
We’ll have to see if someone else chimes in, as we do not know them.
Aloha.
Shelly and Steve are living in Kihei, Maui. If you would like to send me your ‘phone number or email address, I can forward it to Shelly.
Aloha,
Bob
Bob Howard, [email protected] I met the Alexander’s while working for a tour operator in both Los Angeles and Hawaii. Very nice people and very kind to me and my family while we stayed in Maui. They also treated me kindly on my own vacation. Miss them and would like to catch up. Thank you and hope to hear a reply.
Please accept my condolences.
Sandy H and I had a wonderful experience aboard a blue Hawaii helicopter over Kauai.
Safety is paramount always but these tours are a highlight of the trip and would be sorely missed.
Ween we boarded our tour we expected a safe fun flight and certainly got that, however we knew there was a very small risk involved. We where fortunate to have a great flight and arrive back at the airport safely. My wish is that everyone who takes the tour has as great a time as we had.
If it’s not a turbine helicopter, don’t go
A Robinson helicopter went down just out of Orange County Airport (SNA) in Newport Beach. Luckily none of the residents in the neighborhood where it went down were killed. Four passenger/fatalities I believe. I have not heard about the NTSB report.
I was riding around the back bay in Newport when the chopper went down immediately after leaving SNA airport. All died.
I flew in a Hughes 500 while doing volunteer habitat restoration work on Haleakalā. The safety briefing included the info that above 500′ they could auto-rotate down to OGG. Less than 500′ the chopper had the glide pattern of a brick. I would never choose to fly in a helicopter by choice. You do see amazing scenery, but at what risk? Thanks, but…
Thank you for posting this article…
Thanks Dan.
Aloha.
Joseph Berridge is the pilot who died , not Nicole. She was not onboard .
Joseph Berridge is pictured with his dog Lucious in Albuquerque, N.M. Berridge was the pilot who died when a tour helicopter crashed on a residential street in Kailua on Monday. Honolulu firefighters respond to the scene of a crashed helicopter that killed three people Monday morning on Oneawa Street in Kailua.Apr 30, 2019
Pilot in Kailua crash had just moved to Hawaii to fly tour helicopters …
https://www.staradvertiser.com/…/pilot-in-kailua-crash-just-moved-to-hawaii-to-fly-tour-…
Aloha
Hi Bev.
Thanks much for correction. Post was updated.
Aloha.
The phrase “This one helicopter had 42 fatal crashes in 10 years” caused me to believe that particular helicopter had crashed repeatedly over the years, which seemed unfathomable. Reading the rest of the article I realized you meant that MODEL of helicopter. It might be worth editing the article to make that more clear.
Hi Michael.
Thanks and done.
Aloha.
Good reporting. I’ve flown 3 tours in R-44s on the islands. Recently, I was scheduled for an r-44 on the Big Island and was concerned about the wind. Just as I was about to call, the company called me to say their lead pilot didn’t feel it was safe. That morning, it was particularly windy on the Waikoloa side, accuweather was showing windy, rain, and clouds on the Hilo side. However, I did see eco and a-stars up in the Waikoloa area. I appreciate the heads up.
Hi Thomas.
Thank you.
Aloha.
There are many good companies with safe well maintained equipment and experienced well trained pilots. My concern is the need for these companies not to allow cancellations in bad weather and fly unless it really is impossible. The weather patterns in Hawaii change very quickly and rotary wing aircraft at low altitudes are very vulnerable. I think legislation on weather conditions with visibility and wind speed etc might lower the accident rate. Helicopters flying over built up areas is never good. Many cities route helicopters over rivers so an auto rotate Ditch is easier to pull off. Flying like driving or any other activity , like swimming in the ocean will carry a risk. We just need to minimize it.
Your report is NOT accurate!… Blue Hawaiian as well as virtually all other helicopter tour companies use only turbine helicopters like the EC130 Ecostar or AS350 A-Star for touring. The Robinson R-44 is a piston engine (not turbine) helicopter. Many Robinson helicopter crashes occur because of “Mast-Bumping” wherein the main rotor strikes the tail boom because of either poor flying skills or inadvertent negative G loads on the rotor. The Robinson R-22 (2-seat) has even a worse safety record than the R-44 (4-seat). The turbine helicopters ARE SAFE! The Robinson’s are risky at best – check before flying. Don’t ever fly in a piston or “reciprocating engine” helicopter!
BOB R – Mast Bumping has absolutely nothing to do with a piston or “reciprocating engine”. Nothing. the Bell Huey also suffered from Mast Bumping,,,, fact check …
Turbine helicopters are safer but not night and day. The Lycoming or Contiental engines have not changed design in 60 years for a reason they are extremely safe and work. Turbines you may avoid some, not Alleviate, issues like LTE (loss of tail rotor effectiveness) because of the extra power. But all in all piston engine failure is typically never an issue in a helicopter crash. The big issue is single engine. Be it a Turbine or Piston. The tour companies fly at low altitudes and the pilot is the tour guide and when an engine issue happens there is almost no time to react. Due to being a tour guide or inexperience, etc. The Safari crash was a AS 350 which has a great track record but still singe engine, not saying that was the cause but its up there on the suspects.
Twin engines are the way to go for tours since they fly low and slow just like twins are pretty much mandatory for sky works. Unfortunately twins are not a cost effective bird for the small companies in cost, fuel and maintenance.
The most common reason for these sorts of crashes is CFIT (Controlled Flight Into Terrain). Without disclosure of altitude or state of wreckage, any conjecture on the probable cause is conjecture. But whether turbine or piston-powered, 75-80% of crashes are due to error. The issues are pilot experience, training and a company-wide safety culture.