What happened
During an air tour flight, the pilot radioed intentions to Flight Service Station (FSS) personnel to overfly an area located approximately 5 miles southwest of the island of Maui. Approximately 10 minutes following this communication, the aircraft impacted mountainous terrain on the island. At the time and location of the accident, instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) prevailed.
Findings
The investigation revealed that the pilot did not possess the minimum flight hours required to qualify as a captain under the company's operations manual. It was determined that the pilot had falsified his employment application and resume. Furthermore, the company failed to conduct substantive preemployment background checks, although the company was not required by the FAA to do so.
Safety message
Regulations are necessary for air tour operators to enable FAA inspectors to require, rather than merely encourage, adherence to procedures that provide safety improvements found in SFAR 50-2 and FAA Handbook 8400.10 Bulletin 92-01.