BARKING SANDS — The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash of a Sikorsky S-61N helicopter at the U.S. Navy Pacific Missile Range Facility at Barking Sands that resulted in four fatalities Tuesday morning.
PMRF spokesperson Thomas Clements said first responders responded to a civilian-contracted helicopter crash operated by Croman Corporation near the north side of the base yesterday. The incident happened during a range-training operation shortly after 10 a.m.
Clements said an investigation will commence to determine the cause of the accident.
NTSB investigators are expected to arrive today, according to NTSB spokesperson Keith Holloway.
Croman Corp., an Oregon-based company, provides range-support services at PMRF. According to the corporation’s website, its fleet consists of seven Sikorsky S-61N helicopters. Croman Corp. did not respond to a request for comment Tuesday.
“First and foremost, our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those who were lost this morning in this heartbreaking tragedy,” Mayor Derek Kawakami said Tuesday. “I know there are no words that can express the extent of what you are going through or provide the solace that you need, but please know that our entire community is here for you.”
The county will continue to support the base, Kawakami said.
At the time of the incident, Kaua‘i Police Department personnel assisted the Navy with perimeter security and investigation support, a KPD spokesperson said. Responders with the Kaua‘i Fire Department Waimea station and the battalion chief initially responded to the scene, but their assistance was not required.
“We offer our partners at PMRF any resources they may need, and we offer the families involved our deepest condolences during this difficult time,” Kawakami said.
Information on the casualties is pending release.
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Sabrina Bodon, editor, can be reached at 245-0441 or sbodon@thegardenisland.com.
