On April 29, 1982, a Beechcraft E18 (registration N6911) operated by Island Airlines (Hawaii) was involved in an aviation accident near Hakalau, United States of America during takeoff. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of engine power (reason undetermined); loss of control due to dark night and failure of pilot-in-command to maintain aircraft handling; uncontrolled descent resulting in collision with terrain. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A twin-engine aircraft crashed in a sugar cane field after the pilot reported difficulty and requested to return to Hilo. Both pilots were killed. The probable cause includes loss of engine power and loss of control.
Accident Overview
The aircraft, operating on the last leg of a three-flight sequence, departed from Hilo. Shortly after takeoff, the pilot contacted the tower to request a return, stating that he was experiencing difficulty. This was the final transmission received from the flight.
Witness Observations
Witnesses on the ground reported hearing intermittent sputtering from the aircraft's engine, followed by the sound of a high-speed dive. The aircraft subsequently impacted terrain in a sugar cane field at a steep angle.
Occupant Fatalities
Both pilots on board were killed in the accident.
Probable Cause
The official investigation identified three occurrences:
Loss of engine power during climb to cruise, with the reason for the occurrence undetermined.
Loss of control during maneuvering in a turn to reverse direction. The investigation cited dark night light conditions and failure of the pilot-in-command to maintain aircraft handling.
Uncontrolled descent resulting in in-flight collision with terrain.