N2223P

On March 20, 1995, at 1730 hours Hawaii standard time, a Bell Helicopter 206B, N2223P, collided with the surface of the Pacific Ocean during takeoff from the fishing vessel WESTERN PACIFIC. The certificated commercial pilot received minor injuries. The sole passenger received serious injuries. The helicopter was destroyed as a result of sinking in salt water. The helicopter was being operated as a fish-spotting flight by Western Pacific Fisheries, Inc., Las Vegas, Nevada, under 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time.

According to the pilot, the helicopter had a tail rotor problem during takeoff from the fishing vessel. The pilot reduced the throttle and collective to control the yaw. The helicopter's main rotor blade struck the ship. The helicopter then landed hard on the water and sank. Both occupants were able to egress from the helicopter unaided and were picked up by a speedboat from the fishing vessel.

The accident location was 154 degrees, 11 minutes east longitude and 8 degrees, 30 minutes south latitude. The location is approximately 3,340 miles southwest of Honolulu, Hawaii.

Both occupants were transported by the ship to Honiara, Solomon Islands, and then flew to Brisbane, Australia, for medical treatment. According to the operator, the helicopter passenger, who was also the fishing vessel's captain, complained of back injuries. He was treated for the broken ribs in Australia, and was admitted to the hospital for 2 days.

The helicopter wreckage was not recovered and the nature of the tail rotor problem could not be determined.