Operator Did Not Have Part 135 Certificate

The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration have confirmed the operator of a Partenavia P68 that went down April 30 with five onboard did not have a Part 135 certificate to carry passengers.

According to the NTSB Preliminary Report of the accident, a review of FAA records revealed that the operator, Tora Flight Adventures, did not hold a 14 CFR Part 135 Air Taxi and Commuter operating certificate, and was not authorized to conduct aerial tours.

The NTSB further states the operator maintains he was not required to carry such a certificate, as the company only used the airplanes as a means of transportation to and from the Panda Ranch resort near Kaunakakai, on the island of Molokai, HI. The operator added that passengers weren't paying for the flight -- but rather their experience at the tour destination.

As was reported by Aero-News, the Partenavia went down after takeoff from Molokai at night. One passenger interviewed by the NTSB stated the plane made a hard bank to the right and impacted terrain shortly after lifting off, and that the engines were still running when the plane hit the ground.

The pilot and one passenger suffered serious injuries. The remaining three passengers suffered minor injuries.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov