Hawaii Tour Helicopter Crashes

Experienced Representation for Cases Involving Helicopters and Airplanes in Hawaii

The Hawaiian Islands offer spectacular landscapes and scenery that attract millions of tourists every year. Many of these visitors plan sightseeing tours on a helicopter or airplane as a highlight of their vacation: In fact, it’s estimated that 1 in 10 visitors to Hawaii may take a sightseeing or air tour flight during their visit. Unfortunately, these adventures can sometimes end in tragedy. This is why it’s always a good idea to check out the safety record of any tour company you plan on using.

According to government data, there have been at least 55 tour helicopter crashes in Hawaii since 1985*. Fifteen of these crashes resulted in fatalities and 19 resulted in injuries. 

At Wisner Baum, our leading aviation accident attorneys have experience taking on Hawaii helicopter and airplane crash cases on behalf of injury victims. Whether you were injured on a sightseeing tour or en route to Hawaii, our firm has what it takes to help you obtain full and fair compensation.

*Data current as of August 2023

Call (855) 948-5098 or submit our online form to get started with a free consultation. We handle cases across the U.S.

WISNER BAUM HAS DECADES OF EXPERIENCE LITIGATING HAWAII HELICOPTER ACCIDENT CASES

• September 23, 2005 – Our team successfully handled a major helicopter tour crash that occurred on September 23, 2005, involving an Aerospatiale AS-350BA registered to Jan Leasing, LLC, of Las Vegas and operated by Heli USA Airways. The helicopter crashed into the ocean, several hundred yards off the coastline at Kauai’s Ke’e Beach. The pilot says he saw another helicopter below him and apparently took sudden, uncalled-for maneuvering actions that resulted in his helicopter dropping, hitting the water, going up into the air again and then back into the water. Three passengers were killed, and the commercial pilot and two other passengers received minor injuries. The 45-minute helicopter tour had departed from Lihue Airport, Lihue, Hawaii, on the island of Kauai.
• July 23, 2003 – Five people died when a Bell 206B helicopter tour, operated by Jack Harter Helicopters, crashed while nearing the Waialeale Crater on Kauai. The pilot failed to maintain adequate terrain clearance / altitude while descending into adverse weather over mountainous terrain.
• November 29, 1996 – A Bell 206B helicopter operated by Pacific Helicopter Tours, Inc., of Kahului, Hawaii, was substantially damaged during a power line construction project. The helicopter pilot and passenger sustained serious injuries.
• September 16, 1992 – A sightseeing helicopter operated by Hawaii Helicopters, Inc., in Maui, took off and flew into adverse weather conditions. The Aerospatiale AS-350B helicopter and all seven passengers and the pilot, died when it collided with mountainous terrain near the town of Hana.

Get Help From a Leader in Aviation Law

Wisner Baum is recognized as an industry leader in aviation crash litigation. We represent clients throughout the U.S. and around the world. We have handled multiple helicopter or small plane crashes in Hawaii since 1989, and we have continued to take on some of the most challenging, high-stakes aviation accident and in-flight injury cases nationwide.

These crashes involved, among others:

• Hawaii Helicopters, Inc
• Heli USA
• Jack Harter Helicopters
• Scenic Air Tours

For immediate assistance, or to schedule an initial consultation or free case evaluation with a Hawaii helicopter crash lawyer, contact us online or call (855) 948-5098.