Incident Overview
A helicopter operating a local area sightseeing flight to the Pu'u O'o vent in Volcanoes National Park experienced a loss of altitude and collided with the ground. The pilot reported that while hovering at approximately 50 feet above ground level (AGL) over the vent, the helicopter began settling with power.
Pilot Actions
The pilot turned the helicopter down slope to maximize altitude and attempt to gain airspeed. The prevailing wind was from the rear of the helicopter as it flew down the slope, and the helicopter continued to settle toward the ground. The pilot continuously applied collective pitch in an attempt to arrest the descent, but the helicopter continued to descend and collided with the ground.
Post-Impact
After the collision, the helicopter rolled over. The pilot noted that there was no preimpact failure of the helicopter.
Remarks
No further details about the aircraft, occupants, or injuries are provided in the source material.