Today, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released its preliminary report on the helicopter crash that occurred off Kauai’s Napali Coast on July 11, 2024. It involved a Robinson R44 helicopter, registered as N144KW, which Aloha Helicopter Tours LLC operated under Ali’i Air Tours. The crash resulted in the tragic death of the pilot and the two passengers.
Kauai helicopter crash incident overview.
The Robinson R44 helicopter was conducting a doors-off sightseeing flight around Kauai, departing from Lihue Airport (LIH) at approximately 12:31 PM. The helicopter was scheduled for a one-hour tour.
Flight path and crash details.
Archived FAA ADS-B data shows the helicopter initially proceeded west-southwest before turning north. However, the ADS-B signal was lost as the helicopter neared the northern shoreline of Kauai due to limited coverage in the area caused by the mountainous terrain.
“A ‘huge’ and sudden gust of wind blew over them, which was followed by a very loud ‘bang’ noise. As their attention was drawn to the source of the loud noise, they saw the helicopter wreckage free falling into the ocean in two sections, a main fuselage section, and the tail boom section. The witnesses said that the helicopter wreckage sank moments after striking the water, about one quarter of a mile offshore.”
Witnesses hiking on the Kalalua Trail per NTSB.
Kauai search and recovery efforts.
The U.S. Coast Guard conducted an extensive underwater search using side scan sonar technology, covering an area of roughly 1,000 square yards. After identifying several anomalies, a more focused search was conducted with a Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV). This search led to the discovery of the helicopter’s severed tail boom section in approximately 77 feet of water. However, the main fuselage has not yet been located.
Investigation and initial findings on Kauai helicopter crash.
The NTSB, along with a helicopter aerospace engineer and other parties to the investigation, will conduct a detailed examination of the wreckage once it is recovered. An initial review by an NTSB senior meteorologist indicated a strong pressure gradient on the north shore of Kauai, resulting in strong gusting easterly winds. A detailed weather study is pending to better understand the conditions during the crash.
Previous helicopter incidents on Kauai.
This incident marks the second helicopter crash on Kauai this year. The last crash occurred on February 27, 2024, when a helicopter went down on Honopu Beach, also along the Na Pali Coast. That crash involved a helicopter owned by Jack Harter Helicopters and injured one passenger, though all other occupants were unharmed.
Safety and weather challenges at the time of the crash.
While helicopter tours in Hawaii offer breathtaking views, they face significant safety challenges due to the islands’ fast-changing weather conditions. The 2019 crash, which resulted in the loss of seven lives, highlighted the dangers of flying in adverse weather and the importance of adhering to visibility requirements.
Being on Kauai at the time of the crash, we noted extreme wind bursts, which hikers also mentioned. These will likely be detailed in the NTSB’s follow-up final report.
The investigation is ongoing, and the NTSB will release more information as it becomes available. Our thoughts are with the families and friends of the victims during this difficult time. Stay tuned to Beat of Hawaii for more detailed updates and further information.
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I have a PI attorney friend of many years. Who has told me, he would not fly in a helicopter because of very crash rates.
There is no indication that having the doors removed from the helicopter for this fligjt contributed to this accident.
The boom may have been the main rotor hitting the tail rotor. There are known incidents of tail strikes in Robinson aircraft when the cyclic is abruptly pulled back, in some cases from wind gusts.
As much as I enjoy flying in helicopters, I’m hesitant about flying in the R22 or R44. I’ve spent hundreds of hours in various helicopters during my time in the military and out, and always feel a huge thrill when I’m in them.
Any aircraft going down, especially when the people are on vacation, is such a tragedy. Hoping they are able to find the bodies to give closure to their families.
This is exactly why I would never, ever fly doors off! The minute the wind hits that, game over. Also, flying without floats was something I researching before booking helicopter flights across all islands.
Were the 3 bodies recovered?
I believe at this time only 1 body has been recovered. The other 2 may still be in the unfound forward section.
This beg the question, are “gusty” conditions somewhat predictable? Is it possible to lookup the likelihood of such conditions before deciding to get on a helicopter?
Great question DB. I would also like to know the answer, along with what the big sound was.