What happened
A flight departing from Kolonia Airport was scheduled for a duration of approximately 5 hours and 45 minutes, with a destination of Tarawa Island in the Gilbert Islands. The aircraft, operated by a single pilot, was the only person on board at the time of departure. During the transit, the aircraft ceased all radio communications and disappeared from radar tracking.
Following the loss of contact, the aircraft crashed into the Pacific Ocean. Search and rescue operations were launched to locate the wreckage and the pilot; however, these efforts were eventually terminated after several days. No debris or evidence of the aircraft was recovered, and the pilot was not found.
Findings
- The aircraft was lost during the en route phase of flight.
- Loss of radar contact and communication preceded the impact in the ocean.
- The incident resulted in one fatality.