N6262N

On November 29, 1996, at 1330 hours Hawaiian standard time, a Bell 206B, N6262N, operated by Pacific Helicopter Tours, Inc., of Kahului, Hawaii, was substantially damaged near McGregor Point, Maui, Hawaii, during a power line construction project. The pilot and his passenger both received serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the operation and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated at 0630 on the morning of the accident.

According to the operator, the helicopter was operating in mountainous terrain assisting in the construction of power lines. At the time of the accident, the helicopter was positioning the passenger near the conductor lines in preparation for a line pull. The passenger was sitting behind the pilot in the rear seat. The passenger would physically kick the travelers into the proper position at the top of the 80-foot metal pole in preparation for a line-pull to establish proper tension.

According to witnesses, the helicopter was approaching pole number 89 from the upwind side to straighten the traveler. As they aligned the traveler and moved away, the rotor wash cocked the traveler off-line again. The helicopter reapproached the pole at a speed higher than before. The helicopter skid contacted the pole about 2 feet below the top and the helicopter dynamically rolled over the top of the pole. The pole entered the pilot's doorway. The pilot released all controls and braced himself against the pole during the maneuver. The helicopter severed the three main conductors before colliding with the ground.