It is with tremendous sadness that I report that the plane I flew has crashed... and my instructor perished in the crash along with two Japanese passengers.

http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/ap...NTPAGECAROUSEL

It looks like they went on an island tour in the Cessna 172 on Tuesday morning and disappeared that afternoon. After a 5 day search over a large part of the island, wreckage was spotted and remains were retrieved.

Even with this one-in-a-million crash, I'd return to Kona airport and fly another one of their planes tomorrow if I could. The staff and equipment are safe and top-notch ...and I wouldn't hesitate to explore the Big Island from above even in the wake of such a sad tragedy.

My thoughts go out to those impacted by the crash.

And for those leary to try out such an adventure, I'd still recommend it. You have a better chance of being in a fatal car accident on Hawaii than you do being injured in a flying lesson like this.