Hang On

Mysterious King Air accident traced to mundane roots

DAVE ENGLISH

THE AIR AMBULANCE Beech King Air C90A was flying between two Hawaiian islands to pick up a patient. It was a dark night, but otherwise the islands enjoyed the good VFR weather we picture for a tropical oasis. They were descending from cruise altitude to 8,000 feet with a clearance to fly direct to navigation fix TAMMI. “N13GZ verify going direct TAMMI?” “13GZ is off navigation here…we’re gonna…we’re gonna give it a try.” Air traffic control, responding to the pilot’s odd transmission, simplified the clearance, issuing just a heading and an altitude. There was a pause on frequency. Then the pilot said: “Hang on.” After more silence, Honolulu Center gave a new heading and a lower altitude. There was no answer. ATC announced loss of transponder data. A Piper Seminole…

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Plane & Pilot (Digital) - 1 Issue, January/February 2025

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