FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Helicopter Collides with Mountainous Terrain During Sightseeing Flight (N766MP)

Humuula, HI, US

On February 24, 1994, an Aerospatiale AS-350-B (registration N766MP) operated by Papillon Hawaiian Helicopters was involved in an aviation accident near Humuula, HI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's poor in-flight decision by failing to attain the best rate of climb speed and exceeding the helicopter's hover performance capability. The clouds and downdraft were factors in this accident. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 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 conducting a local sightseeing flight in mountainous terrain collided with the ground after the pilot encountered clouds, climbed to 10,500 ft, allowed airspeed to decrease, and encountered a downdraft. No mechanical issues were reported.

Accident Details

The helicopter was used for a local sightseeing flight in mountainous terrain. The pilot encountered clouds covering a mountain pass and elected to proceed to an alternate destination. The clouds forced the pilot to climb the helicopter to 10,500 ft MSL. The pilot allowed the airspeed to decrease, executed a turn, and encountered a downdraft. The pilot was unable to maintain altitude, and the helicopter collided with the mountainous terrain.

Pilot Account

The pilot reported that the helicopter or engine did not experience any mechanical difficulties before the accident.

Performance Data

Performance data showed that the helicopter was capable of a rate of climb of 700 ft/min if the pilot had flown the proper best rate of climb speed straight ahead. At 10,500 ft MSL, the helicopter could not hover in or out of ground effect.

Weather

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 24 Feb 1994 Aerospatiale AS-350-B accident near Humuula, HI?

A helicopter conducting a local sightseeing flight in mountainous terrain collided with the ground after the pilot encountered clouds, climbed to 10,500 ft, allowed airspeed to decrease, and encountered a downdraft. No mechanical issues were reported.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 24 Feb 1994 involved an Aerospatiale AS-350-B, registration N766MP, operated by Papillon Hawaiian Helicopters, at Humuula, HI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's poor in-flight decision by failing to attain the best rate of climb speed and exceeding the helicopter's hover performance capability. The clouds and downdraft were factors in this accident.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X00778. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.