Authorities reported a tragic incident involving a small cargo plane that crashed during a training flight shortly after taking off from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu. The aircraft, identified as Kamaka Air Flight 689, went down at approximately 3:15 p.m. on Tuesday and tragically resulted in the deaths of both pilots on board.
Witnesses and video footage captured the moment the plane lost control, veering sideways at a low altitude before colliding with a vacant building, which led to a large fire and a thick plume of black smoke ascending into the sky.
In communication with air traffic control, the pilot of Kamaka Air Flight 689 indicated they were losing control, prompting a response from the control tower encouraging them to attempt to land wherever possible. Unfortunately, the aircraft crashed shortly after.
Kamaka Air confirmed the heartbreaking loss of two pilots, expressing deep condolences from company CEO David Hinderland. Although the identities of the pilots were not formally released by the company, family members have identified one of the victims as Hiram Defries, a young pilot in training, and another as Preston Kaluhiwa, also noted as a trained pilot and graduate from a local school.
The single-engine Cessna 208 was reportedly en route to Lanai Airport in Maui County. Thankfully, no other individuals were reported injured in the incident. Both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are launching investigations to determine the causes of this unfortunate crash.
This incident serves as a reminder of the inherent risks associated with aviation training. While we mourn the loss of these promising pilots, it also highlights the importance of stringent safety protocols and ongoing training in the aviation industry. It’s a difficult moment for their families and the community, but the contributions of young individuals pursuing their dreams will always remain significant.