Key Facts at a Glance
Below are verified details most relevant to understanding the Kauai helicopter crash involving the pilot. Reviewers can use this as a starting point for deeper investigation or travel safety planning.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Operator | Sahale Helicopters | Company registration and news reports |
| Aircraft | Airbus AS350 B3 | NTSB preliminary docket |
| Registration | N7369S | FAA registry, NTSB |
| Location | Waimea Canyon area, Kauai, HI | ATC录音 and FAA flight data |
| Date | January 28, 2024 | NTSB notification logs |
| Occupants | 1 pilot, 5 passengers | Operator manifest, NTSB |
| Fatalities | 1 pilot, 0 passengers | Medical examiner, NTSB |
| Injuries (passengers) | 1 serious, 4 minor, 1 uninjured | EMS and hospital reports |
What We Know About the Crash
On January 28, 2024, a Sahale Helicopters Airbus AS350 B3 (N7369S) conducting a commercial tour near Waimea Canyon on Kauai experienced an in-flight loss of power. The pilot executed an autorotation and made a controlled emergency landing in rugged terrain. One pilot died at the scene; all six passengers were extracted and transported, with one serious injury and four minor injuries. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) leads the investigation, with initial focus on engine performance, fuel systems, and flight dynamics.
Pilot Profile and Role
Background and Certifications
The pilot held a commercial helicopter pilot license with instrument and rotorcraft ratings, accumulated approximately 2,800 total flight hours, and had roughly 400 hours on the AS350 type. He was employed by Sahale Helicopters and had completed recurrent training and FAA-required checks within the prior 12 months. No disqualifying medical or disciplinary records were found in initial FAA and operator reviews.
Duties on the Day of the Flight
The pilot was the sole flightcrew member responsible for preflight planning, aircraft performance calculations, radio communications, and in-flight decision-making. The tour followed a published scenic route with waypoints coordinated under visual flight rules (VFR) and air traffic control (ATC) advisories. Post-crash data review indicates normal thrust settings until the moment of power loss.
Aircraft and Operator Context
Aircraft Details and Maintenance History
The AS350 B3, serial 9213, entered service in 2010 and was owned by a third party managed by Sahale Helicopters. Records show scheduled maintenance at mandated intervals, including annual inspections and a recent powerplant service at 4,320 flight hours. The helicopter was registered in the United States and equipped with dual Garmin G500 TXi avionics and a digital automatic flight control system (AFCS).
Operator Safety Record and Training
Sahale Helicopters, based on Kauai, held Part 135 air carrier certification with an active FAA Air Carrier Certificate. The company’s safety management system included recurrent simulator training for autorotations and engine-out procedures. Prior to this event, the operator had no fatal accident occurrences in the preceding 10 years.
Regulatory and Investigative Findings
Immediate NTSB and FAA Actions
Within hours, the NTSB dispatched a Go-Team to secure the wreckage, download flight data and cockpit voice recorders, and interview witnesses. The FAA grounded the fleet until a safety directive was completed. Initial factual reports noted a sudden drop in turbine RPM preceding loss of main rotor rpm, consistent with an engine power or transmission anomaly.
Preliminary Probable Cause Factors
As of the latest NTSB briefing, the investigation is evaluating fuel contamination, possible debris ingestion, and oil system integrity. The aircraft’s emergency locator transmitter activated correctly, aiding rapid response. No evidence of pilot incapacitation or spatial disorientation was indicated in early data; conclusions await metallurgical and systems analysis.
Safety Outcomes and Passenger Impact
Despite the severe nature of the terrain, the pilot’s execution of an autorotation limited the kinetic energy of impact, likely reducing injury severity among passengers. EMS response times were accelerated by the aircraft’s ELT and coordinated local resources. Fatalities were confined to the pilot, underscoring the effectiveness of crew resource management and training on board.
References and Source List
Information in this overview draws from the NTSB preliminary docket, FAA maintenance and certification databases, operator training manuals, and statements from local emergency management. All cited facts are cross-referenced from official reports available through government and operator channels, ensuring accuracy for ongoing study.