Originally Posted by
172hawkxp
In the 90's we would take clients into the "keyhole", Waimanu Valley (Big Island). Neat place, highest waterfalls on the Big Island. Real tight going in, definitely not a spot to pass another helicopter. Absolutely NO put down spot.
Sigh, Sigh; We got older, wiser, and FAA discovered the Big Island. Now tours fly over top! My last time in was a risk-reward decision with only three pilots onboard.
I do remember a crash in a Beech 18 flying up Waipio Valley. If I remember correctly is was an engine failure and he could not make the 180 degree turn back out and hit the valley wall. Made the point that flying down a valley was far safer than flying up into rising terrain. An old boss of mine lost an engine near Hilo and managed to put it down in the bay and everyone survived..