What happened
During a nighttime approach to the Barbers Point Naval Air Station, the pilot-in-command initiated a go-around procedure. While executing a left-hand turn following this decision, the aircraft collided with the slope of Mt Pu'u Kaua, which stands at an elevation of 3,127 feet, located northwest of the airfield.
The impact resulted in the total destruction of the airframe and caused eight fatalities among the crew members. No survivors were reported from the flight.
Findings
Investigations into the accident determined that the pilot failed to adhere to established flight procedures. Specifically, rather than turning to the right toward the ocean to maintain clearance from terrain, the pilot executed a turn to the left that led directly into the obstacle. Low visibility due to nighttime conditions was also identified as a contributing element to the crash.