Disoriented pilot likely caused fatal 2012 crash near Maui

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WAILUKU — Investigators say a 2012 crash that killed a Maui pastry chef was likely caused by pilot disorientation.

WAILUKU — Investigators say a 2012 crash that killed a Maui pastry chef was likely caused by pilot disorientation.

The Maui News reports the National Transportation Safety Board released its findings Wednesday, saying 51-year-old Jose Krall likely became disoriented when he flew over the ocean in the dark.

The report says the controller who was trying to direct Krall saw he wasn’t headed toward Molokai, his intended destination. Krall told the controller he’d turn around and get back on track, but radar showed the plane made a descending left turn instead.

The Coast Guard found a debris field at the crash site north of Maui, including a wheel from the plane, landing gear, and a life jacket. Krall was presumed dead.