On October 3, 1982, a Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor (registration N215H) operated by Panorama Air Tour was involved in an aviation accident near Bellows Field AFB (Waimanalo), United States of America in flight. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: In-flight collision with terrain/water during maneuvering due to improper use of flight controls by the pilot in command. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During a reindoctrination/training flight, the aircraft flew parallel to cliffs at 500 feet, executed a wing-over maneuver, and descended into the ocean off Waimanalo. The aircraft was not recovered; all three occupants were killed.
Incident Overview
A reindoctrination/training flight for the second-in-command ended when the aircraft collided with the ocean off Waimanalo. Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft flying offshore parallel to the cliffs at an altitude of approximately 500 feet over the water. The aircraft then banked left and subsequently right, reaching a 90° right wing low attitude in a wing-over type maneuver, before descending into the water.
Search and Recovery
The aircraft was not recovered following the accident. All three occupants on board were killed.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause of the accident as an in-flight collision with terrain/water during the maneuvering phase of operation. A contributing finding was the improper use of flight controls by the pilot in command.
What happened in the 3 Oct 1982 Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor accident near Bellows Field AFB (Waimanalo), United States of America?
During a reindoctrination/training flight, the aircraft flew parallel to cliffs at 500 feet, executed a wing-over maneuver, and descended into the ocean off Waimanalo. The aircraft was not recovered; all three occupants were killed.
Were there any fatalities in the 3 Oct 1982 Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 3 Oct 1982 involved a Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor, registration N215H, operated by Panorama Air Tour, at Bellows Field AFB (Waimanalo), United States of America.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
In-flight collision with terrain/water during maneuvering due to improper use of flight controls by the pilot in command.
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