Light aircraft vanished from Pago Pago to Honolulu 10 years ago?
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Light aircraft vanished from Pago Pago to Honolulu 10 years ago?
Unsure of date (but I assume the past 10 years) a light aircraft departed Pago Pago for Honolulu in its attempt to break a world record for around the world. I understand this was its last leg (in more ways than one) and to break the record the aircraft had to arrive at Honolulu by a certain time. Weather at Pago was bad with severe down drafts expected from nearby terrain. The pilot(s) were warned by local pilots at Pago Pago to delay departure by several hours because of known weather phenomena (severe windshear)that occurred between 0200 and 0600. This windshear caused severe downdrafts for aircraft turning right from Pago Runway 05 which would take them over the water.
Because of their desire to get to HNL in time to break the record for the round the world flight, it was apparent the crew of the light aircraft disregarded the local advice and took off anyway loaded with fuel for the final leg to HNL. Shortly after take off the aircraft disappeared and wreckage was seen a few miles out to sea from Pago Pago leading to the assumption it was caught by downdrafts flowing down lee side terrain as the aircraft tried to gain height while heavily laden.
Have tried an internet search for accident investigation details but nothing found. Appreciate any information. Thanks in advance.
Because of their desire to get to HNL in time to break the record for the round the world flight, it was apparent the crew of the light aircraft disregarded the local advice and took off anyway loaded with fuel for the final leg to HNL. Shortly after take off the aircraft disappeared and wreckage was seen a few miles out to sea from Pago Pago leading to the assumption it was caught by downdrafts flowing down lee side terrain as the aircraft tried to gain height while heavily laden.
Have tried an internet search for accident investigation details but nothing found. Appreciate any information. Thanks in advance.
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: NSW
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Hardly right to say, "Vanished from Pago Pago"! More like crashed on TO from Pago Pago.
Lots of holes in the swiss cheese lined up before this aircraft started its TO roll!
Dr
Lots of holes in the swiss cheese lined up before this aircraft started its TO roll!
Dr
