Re: EC-130 power fail!
NTSB Identification: LAX06LA080
Nonscheduled 14 CFR Part 135: Air Taxi & Commuter
Accident occurred Thursday, January 05, 2006 in Lahaina, HI
Aircraft: Eurocopter EC 130B4, registration: N11QD
Injuries: 6 Uninjured.
This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed.
On January 5, 2006, about 0945 Hawaiian standard time, a Eurocopter EC130B4 (ECO-star), N11QD, experienced a loss of engine power and made a hard forced landing in Honokohau Valley, near Lahaina, Hawaii. Blue Hawaiian was operating the helicopter with the call sign Blue 21 under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 135 as a nonscheduled, on-demand tour flight. The helicopter sustained substantial damage. The pilot and five passengers were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a company visual flight rules (VFR) flight plan had been filed. The local area flight departed Kahului Airport (OGG), Kahului, Hawaii, about 0930.
According to the operator, the flight was on a "complete" island tour, which is 60 minutes in length. When the helicopter did not return to Kahului Airport at its designated time, Blue Hawaiian personnel attempted to locate the flight. At 1117, they were notified that the subject helicopter had been located below the Jurassic Falls area and was upright; however, no movement was observed
In the pilot's written statement to the National Transporation Safety Board, he reported that as he entered Honokohau Valley, he slowed to 30 knots heading upstream to show the passengers the falls. He heard the main rotor warning, checked the rotor tachometer, and saw that it was decreasing. The pilot entered into an autorotation to make a precautionary landing. He also noted that the rotor rpm (revolutions per minute) was in the "green." However, because there were no available landing sites in his current direction of travel (upstream), he did a 180-degree right turn. He tried to reapply power, but the low rotor horn sounded again. He lowered the collective and "removed twist grip from the flight gate." The pilot reported that he flared for landing. The helicopter came down in trees, with the main rotor blades contacting the treetops.