Wednesday, September 24, 1997
Whatever happened in the investigation into the death of Fire Department helicopter pilot Peter Crown and police officers Tate Kahakai and Bryant Bayne, killed July 21, 1995, when the helicopter Crown was flying crashed into the Koolaus during a missing-hiker search above Sacred Falls? NTSB was critical
of decision to flyBayne and Kahakai were suspended in a basket 50 feet below the Hughes 500-D helicopter when the helicopter crashed in bad weather and mountainous terrain, killing both officers and pilot Crown. Fog and clouds marred visibility as they searched for hiker Wade Johnson, who was never found. The weight of the load led Crown not to take an observer, even though he had taken one on earlier flights.
A witness said strong winds swung the basket back and forth in an arc of 45-50 degrees. The line connected to the basket later was found wrapped around the helicopter rotor mast.
The National Transportation Safety Board eventually issued a report criticizing Crown for flying in bad weather. Fire Department pilots had told the board they met with senior fire officials two months before the crash to explain why they refuse rescue missions in bad weather. Pilots didn't think supervisors understood limitations of helicopters and pilots in adverse weather, the report said.
The NTSB was told any pilot who refused to fly had to submit a written explanation to Fire Chief Anthony Lopez. Lopez said at the time pilots have the final say on whether they will fly.