HONOLULU, May 22 (UPI) -- A series of fatal crashes in Hawaii has raised questions about the regulation, or lack of it, of ultralight aircraft.
Under federal regulations, ultralights can be used for pilot training but not for carrying commercial passengers. But three passengers have died in the past 14 months in what they apparently thought of as scenic tours, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported Saturday.
Kathryn Moran of Kailua-Kona died along with the pilot in an ultralight crash in Kealakekua Bay on April 21, 2010.
A friend of Moran's, Cindy Warner, said neither woman realized ultralights have lower safety standards than other small planes. She said they were not interested in pilot training.
"It was just a thrill ride. It was just something for us to do on this island," she said.
In two fatal crashes this year, the passengers were tourists from the continental United States. On Tuesday, a crash killed a pilot and a visitor from California.
Jim Struhsaker, an investigator with the National Transportation Safety Board, called the situation a "soft spot on the whole industry." He said operators generally have their passengers sign forms saying they are beginning pilot training, although most never go beyond the first flight.
