8 fatalities

1972-02-22: Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor (N5642V) — Alii Air Hawaii — Molokai, United States of America

Molokai, United States of AmericaFlight

On February 22, 1972, a Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor (registration N5642V) operated by Alii Air Hawaii was involved in an aviation accident near Molokai, United States of America in flight. 8 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot continued under VFR mode into adverse weather conditions. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781234352Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine airplane en route from Honolulu to Lanai crashed into the sea after losing control in stormy weather. All eight occupants were killed and the aircraft destroyed.

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.