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Helicopter Ditches After Engine Failure Due to Fuel Exhaustion (N2072C)

Honolulu, HI, US

On March 9, 1991, a Bell 206B (registration N2072C) operated by Kenai Air OF Hawaii, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Honolulu, HI. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A helicopter performing a research flight from Honolulu experienced a total engine power loss due to fuel exhaustion. The pilot autorotated to the water, but the right forward flotation gear deflated, causing the aircraft to sink.

Flight and Incident

The helicopter departed Honolulu, Hawaii, at approximately 1420 hours HST, destined for a research vessel located about 130 nautical miles south. Upon reaching the area, the pilot was unable to locate the ship and decided to return to Honolulu. During the return, the pilot established radio contact with Honolulu TRACON and reported a minimum fuel status.

About 15 nautical miles south of Honolulu, the engine lost total power due to fuel exhaustion. The pilot successfully autorotated to the water. After touchdown on the water, the right forward emergency flotation gear deflated, causing the aircraft to sink.

Statements from both the pilot and passenger confirmed these events.

Probable cause

Total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Bell 206 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Mar 1991 Bell 206B accident near Honolulu, HI?

A helicopter performing a research flight from Honolulu experienced a total engine power loss due to fuel exhaustion. The pilot autorotated to the water, but the right forward flotation gear deflated, causing the aircraft to sink.

Were there any fatalities in the 9 Mar 1991 Bell 206B accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Mar 1991 involved a Bell 206B, registration N2072C, operated by Kenai Air OF Hawaii, Inc., at Honolulu, HI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X16628. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.