What happened
The incident involved a single-engine airplane operating a cargo mission to Waiho. The aircraft was transporting a load of newspapers along with the pilot and one female passenger. During the final approach phase, the pilot lost control of the aircraft. The plane subsequently crashed into the ground and immediately burst into flames.
Despite sustaining serious injuries, the pilot managed to evacuate the cabin. However, the passenger did not survive the accident and died in the burned wreckage.
Findings
Investigations indicated that a bundle of newspapers became lodged in the control column during the approach. This obstruction rendered the aircraft uncontrollable, leading directly to the loss of control and the subsequent crash.