Accident Overview
During a dark nighttime flight, a pilot attempted to fly a USAF Aero Club airplane around the perimeter of an island. Approximately halfway through the trip, the aircraft collided with the 50-degree upward slope side of a mountain, about 3.5 nautical miles west of the intended course.
Pilot Experience and Flight Preparation
The accident occurred during the pilot's first experience flying at night as the pilot in command. The pilot had a total of 3.0 hours of night flying experience and had obtained his pilot certificate five days before the flight. During preflight preparations, the pilot did not request a complete weather briefing. A complete weather briefing would have indicated the likelihood of encountering rain showers while flying over windward Oahu.
Procedural Lapses
The USAF had a procedure that, if followed, would have barred the pilot from performing the flight. The USAF clearing authority personnel failed to adhere to established written dispatch procedures.
Circumstances of the Collision
The aircraft collided with terrain at night, with the pilot navigating around the island. The specific type of aircraft, registration, engine count, and operator are not provided in the source. No injuries, fatalities, or aircraft damage details are given beyond the collision itself. The time of day is described as dark nighttime, but no specific hour is stated. Weather conditions are not characterized beyond the potential for rain showers mentioned in the briefing. No air traffic control involvement is referenced.