On August 16, 2004, a Bell 206B (registration N529RS) was involved in an aviation accident near Kahului, HI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's inadequate compensation for the gusty crosswind conditions, which resulted in a dynamic rollover. Contributing factors were the direct crosswind and his lack of total experience in the accident helicopter make and model. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A helicopter experienced a dynamic rollover to the right during takeoff in gusty crosswinds. The left skid rose while the right remained on the helipad. The pilot had 6.6 hours on type.
Accident Overview
During an attempted takeoff in gusty crosswinds, a helicopter experienced a dynamic rollover to the right. The pilot reported the wind was a direct left crosswind at 17 knots with gusts to 21 knots. While applying collective input for takeoff, the left skid began to rise. The pilot attempted to counter this by applying left pedal and cyclic input, but the helicopter continued rolling to the right. Witnesses stated that the right skid never separated from the helipad.
Pilot Information
The commercial pilot had accumulated a total of 6.6 hours in the accident helicopter make and model.
Pilot Statement
The pilot did not report any anomalies with the helicopter that would have contributed to the accident.
What happened in the 16 Aug 2004 Bell 206B accident near Kahului, HI?
A helicopter experienced a dynamic rollover to the right during takeoff in gusty crosswinds. The left skid rose while the right remained on the helipad. The pilot had 6.6 hours on type.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 16 Aug 2004 involved a Bell 206B, registration N529RS, at Kahului, HI.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
the pilot's inadequate compensation for the gusty crosswind conditions, which resulted in a dynamic rollover. Contributing factors were the direct crosswind and his lack of total experience in the accident helicopter make and model.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…