Hawaii senator seeks answers after deadly helicopter crash

HONOLULU — One of Hawaii’s U.S. senators is asking federal transportation officials for information about helicopter accidents in the state.

The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported Wednesday that Democratic Sen. Mazie Hirono sent letters Tuesday to National Transportation Safety Board chairman Robert Sumwalt and Federal Aviation Administration acting administrator Dan Elwell.

The request for information about helicopter accidents in Hawaii during the last five years and follow-up with air tour companies follows an April 29 crash in a residential neighbourhood on Oahu that killed a helicopter pilot and two passengers.

Hirono’s request includes a detailed history of problems associated with the Robinson R44 helicopter model that crashed and details of all air tour accidents and unintended landings in Hawaii.

The NTSB is leading the April crash investigation, while the FAA regulates helicopter operations.

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Information from: Honolulu Star-Advertiser, http://www.staradvertiser.com

The Associated Press

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