Aviation Accident Summary LAX85LA117

HONOLULU, HI, USA

Aircraft #1

N121JP

HUGHES 369E

Analysis

WHILE IN FLT OVER WATER AT ABOUT 400 FT AGL & 1/2 MI FROM SHORE, THE PLT SAW A LARGE FLOCK OF WHITE BIRDS. HE REPORTED THAT HE FLARED TO A STOP, BUT WAS UNABLE TO AVOID THE BIRDS. AFTER THE HELICOPTER STRUCK BIRD(S), AN EXTREME VIBRATION DEVELOPED. THE PLT ELECTED TO 'GET DOWN TO THE WATER.' THE HELICOPTER TOUCHED DOWN ON THE WATER, ROLLED OVER & SANK, BUT THE PLT EGRESSED & SWAM TO SHORE WITHOUT INJURY.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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