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Pilot's Terrain Clearance Loss During Night Departure Leads to Collision (N4574C)

Panda Ranch (Molokai), United States of AmericaTakeoff (climb)

On April 30, 2006, a Partenavia P.68 (registration N4574C) operated by Tora Flight Adventures was involved in an aviation accident near Panda Ranch (Molokai), United States of America during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to attain a proper climb rate and to maintain adequate clearance from the terrain during the initial climb in dark night conditions, which resulted in an in-flight collision with terrain. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A single-engine airplane collided with terrain during initial climb from a private airstrip at night. The pilot, with only 10 hours of night experience, banked right due to terrain and noise concerns but failed to maintain adequate climb rate.

Accident Overview

During a takeoff initial climb from a private airstrip in dark night conditions, an airplane descended into terrain. The pilot had flown four passengers to the departure airport earlier that day. After spending several hours at the destination, the pilot and passengers boarded the airplane and waited for two other airplanes to depart.

Departure and Maneuver

During the initial climb, the pilot banked the airplane to the right due to upsloping terrain on the left side and noise abatement concerns. The pilot described this maneuver as a standard departure procedure. The airplane subsequently collided with gradually upsloping terrain and came to rest upright. The pilot did not believe that a loss of power had occurred.

Circumstances

The accident occurred about one hour after sunset in dark night conditions. In his written report, the pilot indicated that he had only 10 hours of total night flying experience.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to attain a proper climb rate and to maintain adequate clearance from the terrain during the initial climb in dark night conditions, which resulted in an in-flight collision with terrain.
Controlled flight into terrain

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 30 Apr 2006 Partenavia P.68 accident near Panda Ranch (Molokai), United States of America?

A single-engine airplane collided with terrain during initial climb from a private airstrip at night. The pilot, with only 10 hours of night experience, banked right due to terrain and noise concerns but failed to maintain adequate climb rate.

Were there any fatalities in the 30 Apr 2006 Partenavia P.68 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 30 Apr 2006 involved a Partenavia P.68, registration N4574C, operated by Tora Flight Adventures, at Panda Ranch (Molokai), United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to attain a proper climb rate and to maintain adequate clearance from the terrain during the initial climb in dark night conditions, which resulted in an in-flight collision with terrain.

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