Kona - Honolulu

On September 8, 1983 at 09:34 AM, Kona - Honolulu experienced a crash involving Beechcraft H18, operated by Panorama Air Tour, with the event recorded near Kona-Keahole Hawaii.

The flight was categorized as scheduled revenue flight and the reported phase was takeoff (climb) at a lake, sea, ocean, river crash site.

10 people were known to be on board, 0 fatalities were recorded, 10 survivors were identified or estimated. This corresponds to an estimated fatality rate of 0.0%.

Crew on board: 1, crew fatalities: 0, passengers on board: 9, passenger fatalities: 0, other fatalities: 0.

The listed crash cause is technical failure. About one minute after takeoff, between 400-500 feet msl and during the first power reduction, the right engine backfired. Following some more violent backfires the rpm went to zero. The right engine was restarted but the same result occurred. The pilot attempted to feather the right prop but to no avail. The aircraft was then deliberately ditched to avoid an outcropping of lava. The aircraft came to rest in about 25-30 feet of water. Engine inspection revealed that the #2 cylinder exhaust rocker arm shaft, p/n45937, was missing. Drive train continuity was established with the exception of the #2 exhaust valve. Centrifugal stops prevent feathering of the prop below an engine speed of 500 rpm. All 10 occupants were rescued.

Aircraft reference details include registration N2990F, MSN BA-753, year of manufacture 1968.

Geospatial coordinates for this crash are approximately 19.7439°, -156.0423°.