Aircraft and Flight Details
The aircraft involved was a twin-engine airplane operating a flight from Honolulu to Lanai. It was cruising along the coast when it encountered adverse weather conditions.
Accident Sequence
While en route, the airplane entered a stormy area characterized by low ceiling, rain, and thunderstorm activity. The pilot lost control of the aircraft, which subsequently crashed into the sea offshore. The impact destroyed the airplane.
Occupants
All eight individuals on board were killed in the accident.
Probable Cause and Contributing Factors
The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was the pilot's decision to continue flight under visual flight rules (VFR) into adverse weather conditions. Reported factors included low ceiling, rain, thunderstorm activity, and the pilot flying into known thunderstorm activity.