What happened
On December 1, 2012, a Cessna 172S, registration N3554Y, crashed into the Pacific Ocean approximately 5 miles from Kahului Airport (OGG) in Maui, Hawaii. The flight was being conducted as a personal trip under 14 CFR Part 91, with the pilot serving as the sole occupant.
Shortly after departing Kahului for Molokai Airport (MKK), an air traffic control specialist observed an erratic flight pattern on radar. When contacted, the pilot declined assistance and stated his intention to perform a right 360-degree turn to track toward the Molokai VOR. However, radar tracking showed the aircraft instead entered a left descending turn. The aircraft's last known altitude was 700 feet. Shortly thereafter, radio and radar contact were lost.
Following the disappearance, the Coast Guard initiated search and rescue operations. While portions of the aircraft's interior and one landing gear component were recovered, the main wreckage and the pilot were not located. Search efforts were suspended on December 3, 2012.
The investigation
Investigators found that the flight took place during dark, moonless night conditions. While no significant turbulence or icing was identified, weather reports indicated the potential for broken cloud layers below 3,000 feet and light rain showers in the area.
Review of air traffic control communications indicated the pilot appeared calm and clear during his final transmissions. No mechanical malfunctions or failures were reported by the pilot prior to the loss of contact. A review of the pilot's medical records showed a history of controlled high blood pressure and kidney stones, though the latter was noted as a resolved issue.