Hawaii Aviation Accident Lawyer

Attorney & Commercial Pilot Representing Victims of Helicopter and Airplane Crashes

O’Connell and Associates

Four Decades of Aviation Litigation Experience

Attorney John O’Connell is both a commercial pilot and an experienced aviation accident lawyer, representing clients in general aviation and commercial airline crash cases for over 40 years. His cases have involved:

  • Tourist helicopter excursions
  • Air show accidents
  • Mid-air collisions
  • Aircraft crashes during training and instruction
  • General aviation and commercial flight operations

When an aviation accident occurs over water, special maritime laws and conventions often apply. In Hawaii — where most helicopter tours operate above the ocean — this intersection of aviation and maritime law can significantly affect jurisdiction, damages, and recovery.

Pilot Experience that Strengthens Your Case

John has flown seaplanes, helicopters, and single- and multi-engine aircraft, giving him first-hand knowledge of flight operations, pilot decision-making, and aircraft systems. His aviation background helps him identify negligence, evaluate maintenance and training practices, and build compelling cases for maximum compensation.

  • Commercial Pilot – Land & Sea ratings
  • Flying since 1978
  • Litigating aviation cases since 1983
  • Member, Lawyer-Pilots Bar Association
  • Member, American Association for Justice Aviation Law Section
O’Connell and Associates

Helicopter Tour Safety in Hawaii

Hawaii’s climate and geography make it one of the busiest air tour markets in the world. Helicopter flights to remote waterfalls, volcanic craters, and rugged coastlines attract thousands of visitors each year — but they also carry risks.

  • Over 60 Hawaii helicopter tour accidents in the past 40 years
  • 11 air tour crashes between 1982–1991, with 24 fatalities
  • 20 crashes between 1991–1994, also with 24 fatalities
  • NTSB reports from 1981–2008 show 59 helicopter tour crashes, killing 46 tourists and 9 pilots
O’Connell and Associates

Primary accident causes:

  • Aircraft malfunctions – 58% due to poor maintenance
  • Pilot error – Present in 39% of crashes
  • Unsafe terrain – Contributed to 63% of incidents

The FAA introduced Hawaii-specific air tour regulations, later expanded nationwide, but accidents still occur — sometimes due to weather, mechanical issues, or unsafe flight practices.

Why Flight Experience Matters in Aviation Litigation

Aviation accident cases require deep technical knowledge of:

  • Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs)
  • NTSB accident investigation procedures
  • Flight theory & aerodynamics
  • Pilot training & human factors
  • Aircraft maintenance & product liability law

John’s dual experience as pilot and trial lawyer allows him to:

  • Conduct skilled interviews with pilots, instructors, and witnesses
  • Identify operational errors and regulatory violations
  • Work effectively with aviation experts in reconstructing crashes
  • Litigate both general aviation and commercial aviation cases successfully
O’Connell and Associates

Contact a Hawaii Aviation Accident Attorney Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a helicopter crash, airplane accident, or air tour incident in Hawaii, contact O’Connell & Associates immediately for a free, confidential consultation.

📞 Call (808) 800-0050 or fill out our Free Case Review Form today.

No fees unless we win.