What happened
A flight intended to traverse a 22-mile channel between islands vanished from radar during an overcast night characterized by a lack of moonlight and ground reference lights. Following an extensive search operation, no wreckage or remains were located. Analysis of reconstructed three-dimensional radar tracks revealed that during the final minute of flight, the aircraft's speed dropped from 170 to 95 knots, while it climbed 500 feet and executed a 190-degree left turn before disappearing. It is believed the impact occurred approximately 13 miles northwest of Maunaloa on Molokai Island.
Findings
Investigation into the flight dynamics suggests that the aircraft's final maneuvers were consistent with a loss of the left engine without appropriate pilot compensation. Several contributing factors were identified regarding the operation and the crew:
- The pilot was on his thirteenth hour of duty, indicating potential fatigue.
- The operator's training protocols lacked provisions for night or instrument flight conditions.
- The pilot had not performed an instrument checkride in 15 months.
- Flight tests indicated a failure to maintain airspeed and control during the engine failure.
- The lack of visual references likely contributed to spatial disorientation.
The aircraft was carrying eight fatalities, and all occupants remain missing.