Accident Overview
A twin-engine aircraft departed Honolulu Airport to participate in a local airshow. On board were 11 skydivers and one pilot. While making a turn toward the designated jump area, the airplane entered a spin. Four occupants parachuted from the aircraft before it crashed into Pearl Harbor. One passenger survived the crash and sustained serious injuries, while 11 other occupants were killed. The aircraft was destroyed.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the airplane stalled and entered a spin after the pilot failed to maintain flying speed. Contributing factors included inadequate preflight preparation, an improperly loaded aircraft, operation by an unqualified person, and an estimated center of gravity located 10 inches behind the permissible limit.
Sequence of Events
The flight was intended for a local airshow performance. After takeoff, the aircraft proceeded toward the jump area. During a turn, it lost controlled flight and entered a spin. Prior to impact, four individuals exited the aircraft via parachute. The wreckage came to rest in Pearl Harbor, with the aircraft sustaining total destruction.