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Helicopter Crashes Inside Active Volcano
5 Sep
Summary
- Cinematographer survived 28 hours trapped in Kīlauea volcano.
- Helicopter crashed due to engine failure over Hawaii.
- Survivor climbed out of the crater to escape toxic fumes.
In November 1992, cinematographer Chris Duddy experienced a terrifying ordeal when his helicopter crashed inside the Kīlauea volcano on Hawaii's Big Island. Duddy, known for his work on films like "Titanic," was filming for the thriller "Sliver" when the helicopter suffered a complete engine failure.
The aircraft crash-landed approximately 300 feet down within the Puʻu ʻŌʻō vent. Duddy, the pilot Craig Hosking, and director of photography Mike Benson found themselves trapped near a lava pool, exposed to choking toxic fumes and extreme temperature fluctuations.
After spending an entire night enduring these perilous conditions, Duddy determined that his only hope for survival was to ascend the crater. He then embarked on a climb out of the active volcano vent to escape the hazardous environment.
