Incident Overview
A helicopter on a company visual flight plan for a ferry flight from Kona to Hilo, Hawaii, collided with mountainous terrain at an elevation of 6,500 feet. The pilot, who was not instrument-rated, had not obtained a preflight weather briefing before departure.
Meteorological Conditions
Meteorological conditions along the intended route of flight were variable, ranging from visual to instrument conditions. A 7,000-foot overcast layer covered the destination, Hilo, and the eastern portion of the route. A first officer and captain for Hawaiian Airlines, who were flying in the area, reported observing the helicopter 15 to 20 miles west of Hilo on top of an overcast. They noted that the pilot appeared to be searching for a visual path through the clouds. According to the first officer, at that time, there were no visible holes in the clouds, and Hilo was under a solid overcast.
Collision
The helicopter subsequently collided with mountainous terrain at 6,500 feet. The source does not specify the extent of damage or any injuries.