Casualties unknown

Aircraft Disappears Over Water Near Hana, Hawaii; Wreckage Limited to Nose Wheel Strut and Life Vest (N95811)

Hana, HI, US

On January 1, 1984, a Cessna 182Q (registration N95811) was involved in an aviation accident near Hana, HI. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft vanished from radar 8 miles north of Hana, Hawaii, during an over-water flight. Only a nose wheel strut and a life vest were recovered. The pilot and passengers were presumed dead; the pilot's alcohol consumption was investigated but not determined.

Incident Details

An aircraft disappeared from radar approximately 8 miles north of Hana, Hawaii, while conducting an over-water flight. When the aircraft failed to return from the flight, a search was initiated, but the aircraft was not found. The only items positively identified as originating from the aircraft were a nose wheel strut, which washed ashore, and a life vest, which was found by fishermen.

Presumed Fatalities

The pilot and passengers were presumed to have died from injuries and/or drowning. The source notes that the individuals were reported to have been drinking at a bar prior to the flight; however, the pilot's physical condition and the amount of alcohol that he might have consumed were not determined.

Investigation

No determination of probable cause has been provided. The investigation focused on the missing aircraft and the limited debris recovered. The circumstances surrounding the disappearance remain unresolved.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1 Jan 1984 Cessna 182Q accident near Hana, HI?

An aircraft vanished from radar 8 miles north of Hana, Hawaii, during an over-water flight. Only a nose wheel strut and a life vest were recovered. The pilot and passengers were presumed dead; the pilot's alcohol consumption was investigated but not determined.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1 Jan 1984 involved a Cessna 182Q, registration N95811, at Hana, HI.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X38621. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.