# NTSB LAX84FA130: Bell 47J-2, N2097, Kahuku, HI, January 1, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: January 1, 1984, 07:00 local (17:00 UTC)
- Place: Kahuku, HI
- Location: 21.6789° N, 157.9432° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Kahuku, HI, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=21.6789&lon=-157.9432&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23926
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX84FA130
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23926/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX84FA130

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
  - terrain condition - water,rough

## Analysis

ABOUT 3 MIN AFTER TAKEOFF, THE HELICOPTER WAS OBSERVED DESCENDING IN A 'GLIDING FASHION' UNTIL WATER IMPACT. A WITNESS REPORTED THAT IT APPEARED TO BE FLYING STRAIGHT & DID NOT APPEAR TO BE IN TROUBLE. THE WITNESS REPORTED THAT SHE COULD HEAR THE ENG & IT SOUNDED NORMAL. ONLY THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES, MAST, SWASHPLATE CONTROL ASSEMBLY, TRANSMISSION & ENG WERE RECOVERED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2097](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2097-2013-07-30), registration cancelled 2013-07-30, S/N 2832, built 1963 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 47J-2
- Registry model: [Bell 47J-2](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-47j-2) (registry code 1181104) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming VO-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-vo-540-series) (registry code 41534, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 2832
- Airframe hours: 6025
- Engines: LYCOMING VO-540-B1B3 240 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Moores Hawaiian Helicopters,
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, October 11, 1983, 15 hours before
- Destination: HNL, HONOLULU, HI

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 55; commercial; instrument ratings: helicopter; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; toxicology performed; flight hours: 7,645 total, 1,132 in this make and model, 5,603 as pilot in command, 18 in the last 90 days, 7 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °F

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19840101000079A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840101000079A), Jan 1, 1984: Bell 47J2, Kahuku, HI, Destroyed. Helicopter impacted into the pacific ocean just offshore of Kahuku for unkown reasons.

## Other investigations on N2097 (3)

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

- [NTSB LAX73FUA12](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX73FUA12), Aug 14, 1972: Bell 47J-2 (N2097), Huntgtn Bch, CA, substantial damage
- [NTSB LAX72FUA02](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX72FUA02), Jul 7, 1971: Bell 47J-2 (N2097), Hntngtn Bch, CA, substantial damage
- [NTSB LAX70DUA17](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX70DUA17), Apr 1, 1970: Bell 47J-2 (N2097), Long Beach, CA, substantial damage

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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