Incident Overview
Shortly after departing from Lihue Airport, the aircraft experienced an engine failure during the climb phase. The pilot immediately declared an emergency and received clearance to return to the airport. However, during the return attempt, the airplane entered an aerodynamic stall and subsequently crashed into the ocean, approximately a few hundred yards offshore.
Rescue and Recovery
The pilot was rescued from the water following the crash. The aircraft itself sank and was not recovered from the ocean floor, precluding a detailed physical examination of the wreckage.
Official Findings
According to the official accident investigation, the probable cause was an engine malfunction for an undetermined reason. The inability to recover the aircraft from the ocean limited the investigation's ability to identify a specific cause for the engine failure.
Sequence of Events
- Takeoff from Lihue Airport
- Engine failure during climb
- Declaration of emergency and clearance to return
- Stall and impact with the sea
- Rescue of pilot; aircraft lost and not recovered