# NTSB LAX93LA104: Fairchild Hiller FH-1100, N427FH, Volcano Natl Pk, HI, January 25, 1993

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 25, 1993, 09:30 local (19:30 UTC)
- Place: Volcano Natl Pk, HI
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 4 fatal, 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report March 18, 1994
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27912
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX93LA104
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27912/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX93LA104

## Probable cause

A LOSS OF TAIL ROTOR CONTROL FOR AN UNDETERMINED REASON(S). A FACTOR WHICH CONTRIBUTED TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S CHOICE OF A HOVER ALTITUDE/POSITION INADEQUATE TO REACH A SHORELINE IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY. A FACTOR WHICH CONTRIBUTED TO THE SEVERITY OF THE PASSENGERS' INJURIES WAS THE OPERATOR'S FAILURE TO PROVIDE PASSENGERS WITH LIFEVESTS.

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, hover
  - rotorcraft flight control,tail rotor control - undetermined (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, hover
- Ditching, hover
  - autorotation - performed, pilot in command
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - water,rough (contributing factor)
  - miscellaneous equipment - unavailable, company/operator management (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT HAD TAKEN THE 4 PASSENGERS OF A TOUR GROUP ON A SIGHTSEEING FLIGHT. WHILE NEAR THE VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK, HE ELECTED TO HOVER NEAR THE SHORELINE BETWEEN 100 AND 150 FT ASL. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO RESUME FORWARD FLIGHT, A TOTAL LEFT PEDAL FAILURE OCCURRED. THE HELICOPTER BEGAN TO SPIN AND HE LOST CONTROL. THE PILOT PERFORMED AN AUTOROTATIVE DESCENT AND TOUCHED DOWN IN THE PACIFIC OCEAN. A WAVE SWAMPED THE HELICOPTER AND IT SANK. THE HELICOPTER WAS NOT EQUIPPED WITH FLOATS, AND NONE OF THE PASSENGERS WERE WEARING A LIFEVEST. THE PILOT WAS THE ONLY SURVIVOR.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N427FH](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N427FH-2012-11-21), registration cancelled 2012-11-21, S/N 134, built 1968 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: FAIRCHILD HILLER FH-1100
- Registry model: [Fairchild Hiller FH-1100](https://openairdocs.org/model/fairchild-hiller-fh-1100) (registry code 3376502) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Allison 250 SER 250HP](https://openairdocs.org/engine/allison-250-ser-250hp) (registry code 03002, turbo-shaft) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 134
- Airframe hours: 3243
- Engines: ALLISON 250-C18 317 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Part 91
- Operator: Kainoa Aviation, Inc
- Registered owner: Pathfinder Helicopter Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, December 29, 1992, 80 hours before
- Departed: ITO, HILO, HI
- Flight plan: Company VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 41; commercial; instrument ratings: helicopter; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 12,500 total, 130 in this make and model, 11,000 as pilot in command, 130 in the last 90 days, 75 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 200° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 72 °F, dew point 57 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: ITO, 25 nm away

## 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 19930125000869A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19930125000869A), Jan 25, 1993: Hiller FH1100, Volcano Natl Pk, HI, Destroyed, 5 fatal. Inflight loss of control. Spun into ocean on attempting autoration to shore, hit by a wave, turned over and sank.

## Other investigations on N427FH (1)

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 SEA74DYI01](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA74DYI01), Jul 9, 1973: Hiller FH1100 (N427FH), Cave Jctn, OR, 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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