On July 15, 1994, an Aerospatiale AS350D (registration N151BH) operated by Papillon Hawaiian Helicopters was involved in an aviation accident near Hanalei, HI. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The internal drive splines of the engine-driven fuel pump (MFP-261) had worn to the point of slippage, resulting in a total loss of engine power. 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.
A helicopter on a Part 135 air tour lost engine power, ditched off a cliff shoreline, and sank. Three occupants drowned; others rescued. Investigation found worn fuel pump splines caused the power loss.
Accident Details
A helicopter conducting a Part 135 air tour with a pilot and six passengers experienced a complete loss of engine power while flying parallel to the shoreline. The pilot performed an autorotation to the water approximately 150 feet from a cliff shoreline. The helicopter was not equipped with floats. All occupants exited the helicopter uninjured as it sank. Life vests were aboard but were not worn by any occupants.
Rescue Efforts
Three passengers managed to climb onto rocks along the shore and were eventually rescued by another helicopter. They indicated that they had not been briefed that life preservers were aboard. The other four occupants were unable to climb onto the rocks. One passenger was rescued by personnel from a boat. The pilot and the other two passengers drowned.
Investigation Findings
The helicopter was recovered from the ocean. An examination and tests of components revealed that the internal drive splines of the engine-driven fuel pump (MFP-261) had worn to the point of slippage. This failure would have resulted in a total loss of engine power.
Probable cause
The internal drive splines of the engine-driven fuel pump (MFP-261) had worn to the point of slippage, resulting in a total loss of engine power.
What happened in the 15 Jul 1994 Aerospatiale AS350D accident near Hanalei, HI?
A helicopter on a Part 135 air tour lost engine power, ditched off a cliff shoreline, and sank. Three occupants drowned; others rescued. Investigation found worn fuel pump splines caused the power loss.
Were there any fatalities in the 15 Jul 1994 Aerospatiale AS350D accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 15 Jul 1994 involved an Aerospatiale AS350D, registration N151BH, operated by Papillon Hawaiian Helicopters, at Hanalei, HI.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The internal drive splines of the engine-driven fuel pump (MFP-261) had worn to the point of slippage, resulting in a total loss of engine power.
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