Robinson R44 N4132H

Summary

On 23 October 2018 at about 03:10 local time, a Robinson R44 registered N4132H, operated by Novictor Aviation, was involved in an accident near Kaneohe, Hawaii, United States. 3 people were on board and 3 were seriously injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

23 October 2018 at 03:10

Classification

Accident

Location

Kaneohe, Hawaii, United States

Nearest airport

Kaneohe Bay Marine Corps Air S (PHNG)

Coordinates

21.4675, -157.8039

Aircraft

Robinson R44

Registration

N4132H

Category

Helicopter

Year built

2015

Engines

1

Operator

Novictor Aviation

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Other Work Use

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Honolulu → Honolulu

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

WPR19LA013

3 people were seriously injured.

The pilot’s sudden incapacitation from an undiagnosed heart condition during flight, which resulted in a hard landing.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot of the helicopter briefly lost consciousness during the air tour flight and began preparing for a precautionary landing. Shortly thereafter, he lost consciousness again and was awakened by first responders following the accident. The pilot and both passengers sustained serious injuries, and the helicopter was substantially damaged. Following a mitral valve replacement about 6 years before the accident, the pilot had been required to provide periodic cardiovascular evaluations to the Federal Aviation Administration to maintain his medical certification, and his cardiologist reported that his valve was in good condition and had placed no restrictions on his activities. During the hospital stay following the accident, the pilot experienced complete heart block, which required the placement of a permanent pacemaker. Therefore, it is likely that, during the flight, the pilot experienced a sudden incapacitation from an undiagnosed heart condition. Based on the medical findings, the pilot’s sudden incapacitation from complete heart block would not have been predicted. 

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.