Near Maui, Hawaii, flight attendant Clarabelle "C.B." Lansing is blown out of Aloha Airlines Flight 243, a Boeing 737, and falls to her death when part of the plane's fuselage rips open in mid-flight.

The Enchanting Island of Maui: A Jewel in the Pacific

Often affectionately known as "The Valley Isle," Maui stands as a magnificent jewel within the Hawaiian archipelago, distinguished as the second-largest of the state's islands. Spanning an impressive 727.2 square miles (approximately 1,883 square kilometers), its considerable size also places it as the 17th largest island across the entire United States. Maui holds a central role within its administrative division, Maui County, serving as the largest among its four constituent islands. These include the culturally rich Molokaʻi, the serene Lānaʻi, and the historically significant, uninhabited isle of Kahoʻolawe.

According to the 2010 census, Maui was home to a vibrant population of 144,444 residents, making it the third most populous Hawaiian island, following the bustling Oʻahu and the expansive Hawaiʻi Island (often referred to as the Big Island). The island's pulse of commerce and daily life largely beats in Kahului, its largest census-designated place (CDP), which recorded a population of 26,337 in 2010. Kahului functions as the island's bustling commercial and financial hub, a gateway for many visitors and the heart of local enterprise. Nearby lies Wailuku, the historic seat of Maui County, holding its own as the island's third-largest CDP in 2010, offering a glimpse into old Hawaii charm.

Maui's diverse landscapes are dotted with other notable communities, each contributing to the island's unique character. These include Kīhei, a expansive CDP that encompasses the luxurious resorts of Wailea and Makena, making it the island's second-most-populated CDP and a popular destination for sun-seekers. Further along the coast lies the historic whaling town of Lāhainā, a vibrant hub for tourism and culture, which includes the renowned resort areas of Kāʻanapali and Kapalua. Moving inland to Maui's scenic "upcountry," one finds charming agricultural towns like Makawao, Pukalani, Pāʻia, Kula, and Haʻikū, known for their cooler climates and panoramic views. On the island's eastern, more secluded coast, lies the tranquil and famously lush community of Hāna, embodying a timeless Hawaiian spirit.

Aviation History and Aloha Airlines Flight 243

Beyond its natural beauty and vibrant communities, Maui also played an unexpected and pivotal role in a significant moment in aviation history. On April 28, 1988, Aloha Airlines Flight 243, a routine scheduled flight operating between Hilo on Hawaiʻi Island and Honolulu on Oʻahu, experienced an extraordinary in-flight emergency. The aircraft, a Boeing 737-297, was high above the Pacific when it suffered extensive damage due to an "explosive decompression." This catastrophic event involved a sudden and rapid loss of cabin pressure and the structural failure of a large section of the fuselage.

In a remarkable display of airmanship and resilience, the pilots of Flight 243 managed to maintain control of the severely damaged aircraft and execute an emergency landing safely at Kahului Airport on Maui. This incredible feat, however, was accompanied by a profound tragedy. Flight attendant Clarabelle "C.B." Lansing was, regrettably, ejected from the aircraft during the decompression and became the sole fatality of the incident. In addition to this immense loss, another 65 passengers and crew members sustained injuries of varying degrees. The substantial structural damage to the aircraft, the heartbreaking loss of a cabin crew member, and the eventual safe landing of the plane collectively established this incident as a landmark event in the annals of aviation. It prompted a comprehensive re-evaluation of aircraft maintenance procedures, structural integrity, and inspection policies, leading to far-reaching and enduring effects on global aviation safety standards and practices.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maui and Flight 243

What is Maui often called?
Maui is affectionately known as "The Valley Isle" due to the large valley that lies between its two major volcanoes, Haleakalā and the West Maui Mountains.
How large is Maui compared to other Hawaiian Islands?
Maui is the second-largest of the Hawaiian Islands, covering 727.2 square miles (1,883 km2). It is smaller than Hawaiʻi Island but larger than Oʻahu, Kauaʻi, and the other islands.
What are the main population centers on Maui?
The largest census-designated place (CDP) and commercial hub is Kahului. The county seat is Wailuku. Other significant areas include Kīhei (which includes Wailea and Makena), Lāhainā (including Kāʻanapali and Kapalua), and the upcountry towns like Makawao.
Which islands are part of Maui County?
Maui County comprises four islands: Maui itself, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, and the uninhabited Kahoʻolawe.
What happened during Aloha Airlines Flight 243?
On April 28, 1988, Aloha Airlines Flight 243, a Boeing 737 en route from Hilo to Honolulu, experienced an explosive decompression in flight, resulting in extensive structural damage to the aircraft. Despite the severe damage, the pilots managed to land the plane safely at Kahului Airport on Maui.
Were there any fatalities in Aloha Airlines Flight 243?
Tragically, one flight attendant, Clarabelle "C.B." Lansing, was ejected from the aircraft during the decompression and did not survive. Additionally, 65 other passengers and crew members sustained injuries.
What was the significance of Aloha Airlines Flight 243 for aviation?
The incident became a critical case study in aviation safety, leading to significant changes and improvements in aircraft maintenance protocols, fuselage inspection procedures, and overall aviation safety policies worldwide. It highlighted the importance of monitoring aircraft structural integrity, especially for older planes.