A tragic incident occurred involving a small cargo plane, Kamaka Air Flight 689, which crashed shortly after taking off from Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport during a training flight. The unfortunate accident, which resulted in the loss of both pilots on board, took place at approximately 3:15 p.m. on a Tuesday.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the plane collided with a vacant building shortly after takeoff and erupted into flames upon impact. Eyewitness footage captured the aircraft flying at a low altitude and veering off course before it struck the structure, releasing a massive plume of black smoke into the sky.
Audio recordings from the control tower show the last moments of communication between the pilots and air traffic control, revealing a desperate attempt to stabilize the aircraft. As the control tower urged them to level off and find a landing spot, the situation deteriorated rapidly, leading to the crash.
Kamaka Air’s CEO, David Hinderland, expressed profound sorrow at the loss, confirming that the company is mourning the two pilots, whose names have yet to be officially disclosed. However, family members have identified one victim as Hiram Defries, a young pilot in training, and the other as Preston Kaluhiwa, a graduate of Kamehameha Schools.
The FAA has confirmed that the Cessna 208 was on its way to Lanai Airport in Maui County. Fortunately, no additional injuries were reported, and both the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the cause of the crash.
This incident serves as a somber reminder of the risks involved in aviation and the importance of safety protocols during training flights. The aviation community is hopeful that the findings of the investigation will contribute to enhanced safety measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
To support the families affected, communities often come together to provide assistance and condolences, showcasing the resilience and compassion that can arise in the face of such loss.