Posted on: Sunday, April 24, 2005

No one hurt in Big Isle copter accident

By Karen Blakeman
Advertiser Staff Writer

Two men were safe yesterday after a helicopter crashed off Honokohau National Historical Park, about 30 yards offshore. The park is north of Kailua, Kona, on the Big Island.

The men, a 19-year-old instructor and a 39-year-old student from a local flight school, swam ashore and refused medical treatment, Big Island firefighters said.

Acting Kailua Fire Capt. Miles Kawazoe said the men told authorities the helicopter experienced a mechanical failure that caused the engine to die.

The 19-year-old man was piloting and set the craft down in about 10 feet of water at about 5 p.m., Kawazoe said.

The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board were called in to investigate the incident.

Authorities said the helicopter, which had taken off from Kona International Airport, about three miles away, was owned by Mauna Loa Helicopters, a school based at the airport.

Ben Fouts, chief flight instructor and president, said the business is now called Hawai'i Pacific Aviation.

He said the helicopter was a Robinson R22, a lightweight, two-seat craft used for instruction and pleasure flights.

The instructor had been with the school for more than a year, he said. The student had been taking lessons for about six months.

He said he did not know how the accident happened.

"We're just thankful they are OK," he said. "And we're coordinating with federal authorities to make sure the proper steps are taken."

Reach Karen Blakeman at 535-2430 or kblakeman@honoluluadvertiser.com.