On January 25, 1993, a Fairchild Hiller FH-1100 (registration N427FH) operated by Kainoa Aviation, Inc was involved in an aviation accident near Volcano Natl PK, HI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A LOSS OF TAIL ROTOR CONTROL FOR AN UNDETERMINED REASON(S). A FACTOR WHICH CONTRIBUTED TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S CHOICE OF A HOVER ALTITUDE/POSITION INADEQUATE TO REACH A SHORELINE IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A sightseeing helicopter suffered a total left pedal failure while hovering near the shore, leading to a spin, autorotative descent, and ditching in the Pacific Ocean. The helicopter lacked floats and passengers had no life vests; the pilot was the sole survivor.
Incident Overview
A sightseeing helicopter carrying four passengers on a tour group flight experienced a mechanical failure while operating near Volcanoes National Park. The pilot had elected to hover between 100 and 150 feet above sea level along the shoreline. When attempting to resume forward flight, the pilot reported a total loss of left pedal control. The helicopter subsequently began to spin, and the pilot lost control of the aircraft.
Sequence of Events
After losing control, the pilot executed an autorotative descent to the surface of the Pacific Ocean. Upon touchdown, a wave swamped the helicopter, causing it to sink. The aircraft was not equipped with floats, and none of the four passengers were wearing a life vest. The pilot was the only survivor of the accident.
Aftermath
The helicopter was not recovered immediately, and no further details about the specific aircraft model or registration were provided in the initial report. The investigation into the left pedal failure is ongoing.