Incident Summary
Radar data obtained from the U.S. Navy's Fleet Area Control & Surveillance Facility (FACSFAC) documented the final minutes of a flight departing Honolulu (HNL) eastbound toward Molokai. The aircraft maintained approximately 5,000 feet mean sea level (msl) and 90 knots groundspeed for 23 minutes before the accident. After passing the Kalaupapa peninsula, the aircraft changed directions several times while altitude and groundspeed remained stable.
Radar Data
At 20:53:06, the radar return showed the airplane at 5,100 feet msl about 1 mile north of the shoreline near Kapailoa Point. Ten seconds later, the return indicated 3,700 feet msl and 50 knots groundspeed. At 20:53:28, the airplane was at 1,400 feet msl with 30 knots groundspeed. By 20:53:40, the return placed it at 200 feet msl in the same location. The final radar contact at 20:53:57 recorded 0 feet msl at coordinates 21°11′19″N 156°53′54″W.
The FACSFAC radar also displayed two lines of heavy returns over Molokai, which personnel identified as areas of heavy precipitation.
Witness Accounts
Witnesses at a private residence near Kapailoa Point reported very dark conditions with thick clouds and rain. One witness observed airplane lights descending from the base of clouds at a very rapid rate. The lights appeared to wobble, rotating one over the other, while the engine revved loudly. The lights disappeared behind a ridgeline, and the witness did not see an impact. The witness added that weather had been clear earlier but moved in rapidly, dissipating shortly after the accident.
Investigation Status
As of the report, no aircraft wreckage has been recovered. Consequently, the reason for the loss of aircraft control was not determined.