Aircraft Disappears Near Maui After Departing Honolulu (N787AM)

Departure and Last Contact The flight departed Honolulu with radar flight following provided to the limit of the terminal control area. The last radio communication was recorded at approximately 0850 hours. For the next approximately one hour, recorded radar data indicated the aircraft was located north and east of Molokai and Maui, with altitudes varying from 100 feet to 13,600 feet before it disappeared from radar. The last known position was approximately 45 miles north of Maui in the Pacific Ocean. ## Weather Conditions Pilots flying in the general vicinity of Lanai, Molokai, and Maui reported encountering lowering ceilings and visibilities as they progressed east from Honolulu, with instrument flight rules (IFR) conditions in the area of Lanai. Weather forecasts for locations west and east of the accident area indicated marginal visual flight rules (VFR) conditions. At 0945, the weather at Molokai was reported as 300 feet scattered, 1,000 feet overcast, and visibility 1-1/2 miles in rain and fog. A nearly stationary frontal system was located just west of Kauai. ## Recovery Status The aircraft was not recovered, and damage and injuries are presumed.