Three Killed in Kauai Helicopter Crash on March 26
KALALAU BEACH, KAUAI – A helicopter crash off Kauai's Na Pali Coast on March 26 left three people dead and two others injured, according to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
The Hughes 369D operated by Airborne Aviation went down at 3:39 p.m., approximately 100 yards offshore after taking off from Lihue Airport at 3:12 p.m. Witnesses reported the pilot experienced “high frequency vibration” before the aircraft spun uncontrollably and nosedived into the water.
Killed in the crash were Oksana Pihol, 40, from Ukraine; and Margaret Rimmler, 65, and Patrick “P.J.” Haskell, 59, both from Scituate, Massachusetts. Two survivors were seriously injured and received medical attention at the scene.
Authorities confirmed the helicopter was the final flight of the day and had operated without incident until nearing Haena. Following a left turn toward the coastline, the pilot lost control, resulting in a rapid descent into the water where the helicopter partially submerged.
Emergency response included local authorities, who arrived shortly after the crash was reported. The NTSB is currently investigating the incident and noted that their findings are preliminary and subject to change.
This incident marks the second fatal helicopter crash off the Na Pali Coast in less than two years.