On January 1, 1984, a Bell 47J-2 (registration N2097) was involved in an aviation accident near Kahuku, HI. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A helicopter was seen descending in a gliding fashion about three minutes after takeoff before impacting water. Witnesses reported the aircraft appeared stable and the engine sounded normal prior to the accident.
What happened
Approximately three minutes after takeoff, a helicopter was observed by witnesses descending in what appeared to be a controlled glide until it impacted a body of water. One witness noted that the aircraft seemed to be flying straight and did not exhibit any signs of distress or mechanical trouble during the descent. The same witness reported hearing the engine running normally just before the impact occurred.
The investigation
Recovery efforts focused on the submerged wreckage. Investigators were only able to retrieve specific major components from the site. The items recovered included the main rotor blades, the mast, the swashplate control assembly, the transmission, and the engine. No other parts of the aircraft were successfully recovered for examination.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 1 Jan 1984 Bell 47J-2 accident near Kahuku, HI?
A helicopter was seen descending in a gliding fashion about three minutes after takeoff before impacting water. Witnesses reported the aircraft appeared stable and the engine sounded normal prior to the accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 1 Jan 1984 involved a Bell 47J-2, registration N2097, at Kahuku, HI.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…