The latest crash involving Hawaii helicopter tours occurred near Puna on the Big Island Thursday. Thankfully everyone survived. A Blue Hawaiian Helicopters’ Eurocopter EC 130 was on a Circle of Fires tour out of Hilo and had five passengers on-board when it made a hard landing and rolled over near Volcanoes National Park. Passengers and the pilot suffered injuries and were taken to the hospital.
The FAA said that “the aircraft experienced engine problems.” The pilot apparently landed the craft following a warning indication. The FAA is investigating the incident.
Another Blue Hawaiian EC 130 went down on Molokai in 2011, killing the pilot and the four passengers. The NTSB blamed the pilot in that incident, stating the probable cause as “the pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from mountainous terrain while operating in marginal weather conditions… Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to operate into an area surrounded by rising terrain, low and possibly descending cloud bases, rain showers and high wind.”
With this latest Puna crash, the recent Kauai crash, and the California crash involving Kobe Bryant, Hawaii helicopter tour safety returned to the forefront again. Hawaii has a disproportionately large percentage of US helicopter incidents.
December 2019 fatal crash on Kauai.
Less than three months ago, on December 26, 2019, a Safari Helicopters’ aircraft crashed into a hillside on a Na Pali Coast tour during quick-changing low visibility. The helicopter was an ASTAR B2 aircraft with 1D1 Turbomeca engines. The only prior Hawaii helicopter incident involving Safari dates back to 1987, in which there were no fatalities. The helicopter carried the pilot plus two children and four adult passengers. The wreckage of the helicopter was later found in Kokee State Park near Nualolo. See the preliminary NTSB report.
Safe and Quiet Skies Act + Federal Inquiry.
Senator Ed Case said “The rapidly mounting loss of life and ground risks from Hawaii air tour helicopter/small aircraft crashes should be tragedy enough and spark unanimous concern for the basic safety of these operations…. Tour helicopter and small aircraft operations are not safe, and innocent lives are paying the price.”
In August 2019, Case introduced the Safe and Quiet Skies Act, designed to impose stricter regulations on commercial tour operations to including helicopters and small planes. In addition to strict sound regulations, it would require tour flights to fly no less than 1,500-foot altitude over actual ground at virtually all times. We were recently on a flight seeing tour in Africa wherein the pilot flew at a mere 200 feet above ground. Hmm.
Senator Mazie Hirono recently asked for more information about Hawaii helicopter tours from the NTSB and the FAA. She is seeking “an accounting of all air tour accidents and unintended landings in Hawaii for the last five years, the findings, recommendations and requirements.” State representative Cynthia Thielen wants federal authorities to stop Hawaii helicopter tours in residential areas and national parks, and had asked that flights be grounded until the April crash investigation is completed.
Prior 2019 Crash | Hawaii Helicopter Tours.
On April 29, 2019, a Novictor Tour Helicopter went down in a residential neighborhood at Kailua on Oahu. Three people were killed in that incident which is still under investigation, including the pilot. The NTSB preliminary report said that witnesses “observed the helicopter in a nose low attitude descending rapidly; none of the rotor blades were moving and the helicopter appeared to be descending vertically with little forward motion.”
The helicopter that crashed in Kailua was a four-seat Robinson R44. The popular and lower entry cost R44 helicopters appear to be flown by and are listed on the websites of the following Hawaii companies: Novictor, Mauna Loa, Pacific Helicopter Tours. There may be others. NTSB reports indicate that R44’s suffered 42 US crashes involving fatalities in the 10 years between 2006 and 2016. That deadly accident rate is roughly 50% higher than the other most common helicopters for civilian flights, according to an LA Times article from November.
Over 60 Hawaii Helicopter Tours Had Accidents In Past 40 Years
In Hawaii, weather conditions are extremely fast changing. That, put together with financial considerations necessitating flying, make the situation worse. Perhaps as many as one third of all helicopter accidents here are weather related.
In total this latest incident makes more than 60 total crashes in Hawaii, nearly 20 with fatalities, in the past 40 years. Over fifty passengers and 11 pilots have died. While each life lost is obviously very important, there are a huge number of visitors who have flown safely.
Changes in Regulations
Rules have been in place for years that define minimum altitudes and clearances as well as other rules and safety equipment. Even so, the number of crashes that have resulted from low visibility in rain and clouds increased from 5 percent to 32 percent of all helicopter tour crashes.
There remains controversy regarding an FAA proposal establishing a minimum altitude of 1500 feet in order to avoid obscured mountain peaks that are frequently found in Hawaii. Tour operators believe that the increased altitude could result in additional crashes from reduced visibility in clouds often present at higher altitudes.
Hawaii Helicopter Association
The Hawaii Helicopter Association is an organization whose goals include noise compliance (if you’ve ever hiked Waimea Canyon on Kauai, we need say no more). She said, “we wanted to get the operators together to do a number of things to promote responsible helicopter flying in Hawaii and advance new initiatives.” Included in the association’s plan is a state-wide aviation weather cam network.
Does these incidents impact your decision to take Hawaii helicopter tours?
We know that helicopter tours are a most popular Hawaii activity that many visitors enjoy safely.
Updated 3/7/20. Photo courtesy of USGS.
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Debi S. says
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.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Debi.
Thank you.
Aloha.
JohnW says
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?
Jessica B says
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!
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Jessica.
Fixed. Thanks so much!
Aloha.
Daniel L says
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!
James M. says
Dear Lord have mercy on the loved ones left behind
JM
Kathi E. says
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.
JB says
Tour companies fly the “Mission” not the “Safety”. Everyone one knows money talks in this industry.
Skip S. says
It won’t be on an R44!
Richard says
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.
Mike G says
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
Phil says
Aloha, please pray for all those involved in this accident, including all family and friends, mahalo
Lanell says
Thank you for the informative article. You’ve included much more than I’ve seen on regular news sites.
So sad.
Beat of Hawaii says
Thanks Lanell!
Aloha.
AB says
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.
John G. says
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.
Barry says
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.
Andrew S. says
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.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Andrew.
We’ll have to see if someone else chimes in, as we do not know them.
Aloha.
Bob says
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 H. says
Bob Howard, bhoward578@gmail.com 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.
Renard D says
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.
Scottieee says
If it’s not a turbine helicopter, don’t go
Dan says
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.
Dan C. says
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…
Beat of Hawaii says
Thanks Dan.
Aloha.
Bev A says
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
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Bev.
Thanks much for correction. Post was updated.
Aloha.
Michael K says
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.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Michael.
Thanks and done.
Aloha.
Thomas S. says
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.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Thomas.
Thank you.
Aloha.
Rich says
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.
Bob R says
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!
Frank R says
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 …
Barry says
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.
Jim T. says
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.