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.