Probable cause
The pilot's loss of helicopter control on approach to land due to entering a vortex ring state condition, which resulted in a hard landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot in the helicopter reported that, he turned final approach at about 100 ft above ground level and the helicopter started settling with power [entered vortex ring state]. The pilot attempted to stop the descent by applying collective and forward cyclic, but the helicopter subsequently landed hard and sustained substantial damage to the aft fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR23LA061 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Dec 8, 2022
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Waimea, Hawaii
- Nearest airport
- Hapuna Heliport (Private) (N/A)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Eurocopter EC 130 B4
- N-number
- N130WS
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 2003
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 135 (charter and commuter)
- Purpose of flight
- Other work use
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.