Incident Overview
A helicopter conducting a sightseeing flight to the west side of the Kapalaoa Ridge area near Punham Crater experienced a downdraft followed by a severe updraft. The sudden weather changes placed the aircraft in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) within clouds. The helicopter was not equipped for instrument flight, and the pilot became disoriented.
Pilot Actions
In an attempt to regain visual reference, the pilot maneuvered the aircraft out of the clouds. However, during this effort, the helicopter collided with trees in a mountainous area.
Aircraft and Environmental Factors
The helicopter was not certified for instrument flight operations. The encounter with a downdraft and subsequent severe updraft led to the inadvertent entry into IMC conditions. The mountainous terrain near Punham Crater and the Kapalaoa Ridge area contributed to the challenging environment.
Investigation
Authorities are investigating the circumstances of the accident. No further details have been released regarding the occupants or the extent of damage to the aircraft.