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March 27, 2026 · Hughes 369D · N715KV

Haena, HI

Overview

Report Status
Factual report
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 27, 2026
Injury Outcomes
5 injuries (3 fatalities, 2 serious injuries)
Location
Haena, HI
Aircraft
Hughes 369D (1979)
Tail Number
N715KV
Operator
Airborne Aviation
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR26FA141

On March 26, 2026, about 1539 Hawaii standard time, a Hughes 369D helicopter, N715KV, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Haena, Hawaii. The pilot and one passenger sustained serious injuries, and three passengers were fatally injured. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135 revenue sightseeing flight. The helicopter departed Lihue Airport (LIH), Lihue, Hawaii, about 1512 for a local sightseeing tour. It was scheduled for the sixth and final flight of the day. The flight was uneventful until it reached the northern shore of the island, near Haena about 20 miles northeast of LIH. According to the pilot, upon reaching Kalalau beach, he accomplished a left turn away from the shoreline as part of the normal flight profile. Upon entering the turn, the pilot experienced a high frequency vibration throughout the helicopter that came in waves and became stronger each time. Subsequently, the helicopter started an un-commanded right yaw that could not be corrected with input from the left anti-torque pedal. The helicopter quickly began to rotate clockwise, completing about 2 rotations, and the pilot entered the helicopter into an autorotation. He rolled the throttle to idle and attempted to increase the airspeed for better directional control. The pilot noted that the spinning had stopped during the autorotation and he made a mayday radio call. Unable to make the beach, the helicopter impacted the water and rolled onto its right side about 75 yards from the shoreline and shortly afterwards became partially submerged. A witness, who was flying near the accident site, observed the helicopter impact the water. The helicopter came to rest upright and tilted slightly to the right, facing towards the east. Another witness reported that the helicopter appeared to be intact before it impacted the water and broke up. The surviving passenger on the flight said that she heard a change in the sound and the helicopter slowed down. She then observed the helicopter rotating towards the water. Subsequently, the helicopter nosedived into the water. Postaccident examination revealed that the helicopter’s fuselage and main rotor blades sustained substantial damage. The helicopter was recovered to a secure facility and retained for further examination.

Full Narrative

On March 26, 2026, about 1539 Hawaii standard time, a Hughes 369D helicopter, N715KV, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Haena, Hawaii. The pilot and one passenger sustained serious injuries, and three passengers were fatally injured. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135 revenue sightseeing flight. The helicopter departed Lihue Airport (LIH), Lihue, Hawaii, about 1512 for a local sightseeing tour. It was scheduled for the sixth and final flight of the day. The flight was uneventful until it reached the northern shore of the island, near Haena about 20 miles northeast of LIH. According to the pilot, upon reaching Kalalau beach, he accomplished a left turn away from the shoreline as part of the normal flight profile. Upon entering the turn, the pilot experienced a high frequency vibration throughout the helicopter that came in waves and became stronger each time. Subsequently, the helicopter started an un-commanded right yaw that could not be corrected with input from the left anti-torque pedal. The helicopter quickly began to rotate clockwise, completing about 2 rotations, and the pilot entered the helicopter into an autorotation. He rolled the throttle to idle and attempted to increase the airspeed for better directional control. The pilot noted that the spinning had stopped during the autorotation and he made a mayday radio call. Unable to make the beach, the helicopter impacted the water and rolled onto its right side about 75 yards from the shoreline and shortly afterwards became partially submerged. A witness, who was flying near the accident site, observed the helicopter impact the water. The helicopter came to rest upright and tilted slightly to the right, facing towards the east. Another witness reported that the helicopter appeared to be intact before it impacted the water and broke up. The surviving passenger on the flight said that she heard a change in the sound and the helicopter slowed down. She then observed the helicopter rotating towards the water. Subsequently, the helicopter nosedived into the water. Postaccident examination revealed that the helicopter’s fuselage and main rotor blades sustained substantial damage. The helicopter was recovered to a secure facility and retained for further examination.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:39 HST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftHughes 369D
Tail NumberN715KV
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAirborne Aviation
Operating RulePart 135
Engines1
Seats5

People & Injuries

Injury Summary5 injuries (3 fatalities, 2 serious injuries)
Fatal3
Serious2
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total5

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind20° @ 16 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F
Altimeter29.93 inHg
Observation Time15:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data