HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-03-05 Tour Helicopter crashes in Puna Minor Injuries to All Aboard .._
Roy Takemoto
Managing Director
Harry Kim
Mayor
Barbara J. Kossow
Deputy Managing Director
County of Hawai‘i
Office of the Mayor
25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720 (808) 961-8211 Fax (808) 961-6553
KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokālole Hwy., Bldg C Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i 96740
(808) 323-4444 Fax (808) 323-4440
March 5, 2020
NEWS RELEASE
Tour Helicopter crash in Puna, Minor Injuries to All Aboard
A Blue Hawaiian tour helicopter crashed in a wooded area of Puna on Thursday.
The Fire Department received a call at 11:35 a.m. that a helicopter crashed in a grassy
clearing near a forested area up rift of Hwy 130 and Ala`Ili Rd. The location was
reported to be at or near an old geothermal site, which was located approximately 5
miles South West of Pahoa town. Due to the remoteness of the location, and
unconfirmed access the Hawaii Fire Department “Chopper 1” was utilized to locate and
access the scene.
There were six (6) people aboard the aircraft and all parties, (5 passengers and the
pilot) were out of the aircraft and ambulatory at the scene upon HFD arrival. All six were
extricated from the scene with Chopper 1 and transported to the Pahoa Fire Station
where they were evaluated by EMS personnel. A few of them sustained what appeared
to be non-life threatening injuries, and at the time of this release, 5 of the 6 people were
transported to Hilo Medical Center (for further observation and treatment) via
Ambulance in good condition according to the Hawai‘i County Fire Department.
The crash is located in an unpopulated area and there were no residences or other
buildings located near the site.
Inquiries about the circumstances of the crash are being referred to the Federal Aviation
Authority (FAA), the investigating authority.
County of Hawai‘i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.