Passenger remains missing from Hawaii plane crash

HILO, Hawaii - One person remained missing yesterday after a small sightseeing plane crashed Friday into the Pacific Ocean with one of its engines apparently on fire. Eight other people were pulled safely from the water.

The 10-seat Piper Navajo Chieftain, owned by tour-and-charter company Big Island Air, was approaching Hilo International Airport when the pilot said he was going to ditch it in the ocean about four miles from the airport. The plane went down at least 200 yards from shore about 5:30 p.m. Friday, officials said.

"He appeared to be at mostly under full power, but just dropping," witness Bill Mason said. "So he set it down really nice. He was intentionally landing the plane in the water."

Four survivors were taken by helicopter to Hilo Medical Center, while the other four were rescued by boat. The missing person was a passenger, said Bruce Nelson, a spokesman for the Federal Aviation Administration.

The eight survivors - five men and three women - all appeared to be in satisfactory condition, nursing supervisor Steve Palmore said.

Big Island Air owner Tom Beard said the flight originated from Keahole-Kona International Airport, on the other side of Hawaii island, and was on a tour of the island. He would not provide other details.

There were reports of burning fuel after the plane hit the water. The crew of another plane reported seeing five people in a life raft before the wreckage sank in more than 100 feet of water.

A National Transportation Safety Board official was expected on Hawaii island yesterday.

Last September, a Big Island Air sightseeing plane crashed on the slopes of the Mauna Loa volcano, killing all 10 people on board.