GARY T. KUBOTA / GKUBOTA@STARBULLETIN.COM Federal investigators examined yesterday the site of a single-engine airplane crash that killed four people in East Maui. Officials planned to remove the aircraft today.

Officials examine site
of Maui plane crash

The wreckage will be moved
today for further investigation

---

By Gary T. Kubota
gkubota@starbulletin.com

WAILUKU >> National Transportation Safety Board officials yesterday examined the site of a single-engine airplane crash in East Maui that killed Maui businessman Stephen Betsill and three of his relatives.

NTSB investigator Tealeye Cornejo said she was still gathering information about the crash and planned to remove the wreckage today for further examination, including the engine and airframe.

The Cessna Cardinal 177, manufactured in 1968, rested on its nose with its tail in the air in a eucalyptus forest about 200 yards mauka of Hana Highway in Nahiku.

The Cessna's angle of entry into the forest appeared to be steep, with little sign of trees being sheared by the aircraft.

The cockpit was crushed, but the wings remained attached to the frame.

Cornejo said the airplane faced southeast, the general direction of the Hana Airport.

Betsill took off from Kahului Airport at 2 p.m. Saturday for Hana, the family said.

Cornejo said information indicates Betsill never landed in Hana, and the last radio contact was received off Keanae Point at 4 p.m. Saturday.

Federal Aviation Administration officials have said Betsill received his pilot's certification last October and had less than 200 hours of flying time. He was certified to fly by visual flight rules, and the skies were clear that day, his family said.

The airplane was found Monday morning by a Windward Aviation helicopter search crew that included Betsill's brother, Randy.

Those killed in the crash included Betsill, 47, sales and marketing manager of Betsill Brothers Construction Inc.; his cousin Jerry Betsill, 44, of Forth Worth, Texas; Jerry's daughter Emma, 11; and Jerry's grandniece Merideth Fenimore, 10.

A funeral service for Stephen Betsill is scheduled at 11 a.m. Saturday at First Assembly King's Cathedral in Puunene, followed by a private burial.