Two Killed, Two Hurt as Helicopter Crashes

KEANAE, Hawaii —  A sightseeing helicopter struck a power line and crashed into a cliff in a remote valley on the island of Maui, killing two women and injuring two men, authorities said.

Police said the pilot, Michael McKenna, 40, of Kula, owner of Aloha Helicopters Maui, told them he was flying low through the valley to allow his passengers to videotape the area and that a passenger had placed a heavy battery pack on a control stick, which prevented him from boosting power for an ascent. Authorities said they were investigating the Sunday crash.