On November 7, 1993, a Hughes 369D (registration N5172K) operated by Big Eye Helicopters Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Pacific Ocean, PO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: AN UNDETERMINED EVENT THAT RESULTED IN THE ACCIDENT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A helicopter disappeared from radar about 27 miles from its mother vessel in the Bismarck Sea. Debris and personal items were found, but the two crew members were not located and are presumed fatally injured. The helicopter is presumed destroyed.
Accident Details
A helicopter departed a fishing vessel on a fish spotting flight with a pilot and one crew member. Approximately one and a half hours after departure, the helicopter disappeared from radar about 27 miles from the vessel. No communications were received from the helicopter during the flight.
Search and Recovery
A search of the area revealed floating debris, aircraft fragments, and personal items. The two crew members were not located and were presumed to have received fatal injuries. The helicopter was not recovered and was presumed to have been destroyed.
Location
The accident occurred about 375 miles northeast of Madang, Papua New Guinea, in the Bismarck Sea.