Eurocopter AS-350-BA accident near Mt. Waialeale, HI
On June 25, 1998, an Eurocopter AS-350-BA (helicopter) was involved in an accident near Mt. Waialeale, HI. 6 people died. Damage to the aircraft: destroyed.
- Date
- June 25, 1998
- Place
- Mt. Waialeale, HI
- Aircraft
- Eurocopter AS-350-BA · Helicopter
- Injuries
- 6 fatal, 0 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Destroyed
- Position
- 21.971°N, 159.350°W
- NTSB ID
- 20001211X10342
NTSB summary
HISTORY OF FLIGHT On June 25, 1998, about 0932 hours Hawaiian standard time, a Eurocopter, AS-350-BA, N594BK, operated by Ohana Helicopter Tours, collided with steep upsloping mountainous terrain near Mt. Waialeale, on the island of Kauai, Hawaii. Instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) existed in the vicinity of the accident site. The helicopter was destroyed, and the commercial pilot and the five passengers were fatally injured. A visual flight rules (VFR) company flight plan was filed with the operator. The accident occurred during an on-demand air taxi sightseeing flight that was performed under 14 CFR Part 135. The flight originated from the Lihue Airport, Kauai, about 0843. The tour operator's president indicated that the purpose of the flight was to provide the fare-paying passengers with an aerial tour of the island of Kauai. The route of flight had previously been established, and it was known by the operator as its "Mokihana" tour route. This route circumnavigates the island, and provides for viewing specific topographical features. The flight normally lasts 48 to 50 minutes. The operator's president reported that on June 25, it commenced flight operations for the day upon the departure of its three AS-350 helicopters from the Lihue Airport. The Lihue air traffic control personnel indicated that the helicopters took off in trail about 0840, 0842, and 0843. The helicopters' registration numbers were, respectively, N592BK, N593BK, and N594BK. The operator's president also reported that the helicopters were scheduled to fly identical tours. Piloting the first heli
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to continue VFR flight into deteriorating weather conditions consisting of lowering ceilings and visibility in mountainous terrain, which resulted in the inadvertent entry into instrument meteorological conditions and a collision with a mountain side. A factor in the accident was the failure of the chief pilot, who had directly observed the deteriorating weather conditions, to
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Browse: Hawaii · Eurocopter aircraft
Source: NTSB aviation accident database (US government, public domain). Findings may be preliminary or later revised by the NTSB. Not a complete global record.
