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Editor: James T. Crouse
Profession: Aviation Accident Attorney

Category: Helicopter Crashes

A Bali Hai Helicopter Tours helicopter crashed on the island of Kauai in September, 2004, killing the pilot and all four passengers on board for a sight seeing tour. On September 23, 2005, another chopper crashed killing three passengers.

After a thorough investigation of these crashes, the NTSB wants tougher new regulations on Hawaii tour helicopters.
Finding pilot error (poor decision making) while flying in bad weather caused both crashes, it also cited inadequate FAA administration surveillance was also a contributing factor. The investigation also found the Bali Hai Helicopter Tours had pilots flying up to eight hours a day without lunch or bathroom breaks which lead to exhaustion which in turn can lead to pilots making poor decisions - in these two cases, leading to loss of life.

The NTSB wants the FAA to require training in Hawaii weather patterns for pilots new to the islands - Frieda wonders why this isn't already being done - isn't it obvious this is needed? Why do people have to die before the right thing is done?