Weather a probable factor in Kekaha helicopter crash

HONOLULU (KHON2) — The NTSB released a preliminary report on the crash off Kekaha earlier in July that killed three.

According to the report, witnesses told the NTSB that they were hiking the Kalalau trail during which “strong gusty wind conditions prevailed.”

While they rested, a “huge” gust of wind suddenly swept over them, after which they heard a very loud “bang”.

Upon finding the source of the noise, they saw two sections of the helicopter falling into the ocean, about one quarter mile offshore. The two sections were later identified as the tail boom and the fuselage.

“An initial review by an NTSB senior meteorologist indicated a strong pressure gradient on the

north shore of Kauai, which resulted in strong gusting easterly winds.”

The U.S. Coast Guard was able to recover the tail boom but the fuselage has not been found.

The NTSB will conduct a separate search and examination once the wreckage is recovered.

The helicopter, a Robinson R44, was conducting a doors-off sightseeing tour of the island of Kauai when it lost data contact with air traffic control–a known issue along the northern shoreline due to the mountainous terrain.

The pilot, Guy Croydon, and two passengers, Molokai-born Jim Quintua, 60, and his wife, Amy Nichole Ruark Quintua died in the crash.