This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed. NTSB investigators may not have traveled in support of this investigation and used data provided by various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.
On May 08, , about Hawaiian standard time, a Robinson R22 Beta, N5ZK, collided with an unoccupied parked automobile following a total loss of engine power while maneuvering over Honolulu, Hawaii. The certified flight instructor CFI was not injured and the passenger sustained minor injuries; the helicopter sustained substantial damage.
The local aerial observation flight departed from Honolulu International Airport about Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The CFI stated that the purpose of the flight was for her to orbit the helicopter over an area known as Punchbowl, located about 5 nautical miles south of the airport.
She departed as planned and proceeded to Punchbowl, completing two orbits before deciding she needed to add carburetor heat. The CFI slowed the helicopter to about 35 knots in an effort to help facilitate the passenger in taking his aerial photographs. While maneuvering about 3, feet above ground level agl , the engine suddenly experienced a total loss of power, which was immediately followed by the low rpm light and horn activating.
The CFI further reported that in response to the engine failure she lowered the collective and entered an autorotation. She configured the helicopter at a knot airspeed and maneuvered to land on a one-way street below that had no wires in the flight path. She began to flare about 40 knots agl and the helicopter touched down on the road and skidded into a parked automobile.
