What happened
The flight departed Honolulu with radar flight following services provided up to the limit of the Terminal Control Area (TCA). The final radio communication from the aircraft occurred at approximately 0850 hours.
For roughly one hour following that communication, recorded radar data tracked the airplane traveling north and east of Molokai and Maui. During this period, the aircraft's altitude fluctuated significantly, ranging from 100 ft to 13,600 ft. The aircraft eventually disappeared from radar tracking at a position approximately 45 miles north of Maui in the Pacific Ocean.
At the time of the disappearance, other pilots operating near Lanai, Molokai, and Maui reported encountering deteriorating weather conditions. As they progressed east from Honolulu, these pilots noted lowering ceilings and visibility, with IFR conditions present in the area of Lanai. Weather forecasts for locations west and east of the accident area had predicted marginal VFR conditions.
At 0945, weather reported at Molokai consisted of a 1,000 ft overcast layer with scattered clouds at 300 ft, and visibility of 1-1/2 miles in rain and fog. A nearly stationary frontal system was located just west of Kauai.
The aircraft was not recovered, and both damage and injuries are presumed.