Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 172M near Pahala, HI — 2008-06-17

Final reportLAX08FA190
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Date
2008-06-17
Location
Pahala, HI, USA
Aircraft
CESSNA 172M
Registration
N13713
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
3

Probable cause

The pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions and his failure to remain clear of rising terrain while deviating from his planned route of flight. Contributing to the accident were clouds and mountainous terrain.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was flying an air tour circumnavigation flight around the island. The visual-flight-rules flight plan specified that the flight would maintain 2,000 feet mean sea level and proceed via the shoreline. The pilot received a standard weather briefing, which included forecast cloud conditions near the accident site of 3,000 feet scattered, 5,000 feet broken to overcast with tops at 9,000 feet, and isolated areas of 3,000 feet broken. Visibility was 5 statute miles with moderate rain showers. A witness was located about 1 nautical mile (nm) from the crash site and heard the airplane. The witness said that the weather at that time was very foggy, misty, and rainy. When the airplane did not arrive at its destination, a search was initiated. The wreckage was located 5 days later at 4,500 feet, on the side of a volcano in thick jungle approximately 9 nm inland from the ocean. It is likely the pilot deviated from his planned route along the shoreline and inadvertently entered instrument meteorological conditions and collided with the rising mountainous terrain. Examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or discrepancies.

NTSB coding

View NTSB final report

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