A tragic accident occurred when a small cargo plane engaged in a training flight crashed into an unoccupied building shortly after taking off from Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, resulting in the deaths of both pilots on board.
The incident took place around 3:15 p.m. on Tuesday, according to a statement from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Eyewitness footage captured the plane losing control and tilting sideways at a low altitude before colliding with the structure, emitting a large column of black smoke.
Communication between the plane and the control tower indicated the pilots were in distress moments before the crash. The exchange revealed attempts from air traffic control to guide the pilots to safety as they reported a loss of control. Sadly, the aircraft crashed shortly thereafter.
Kamaka Air, the airline operating the flight, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of its pilots through a statement from CEO David Hinderland. The identities of the victims have not been officially announced, but it has been reported that one of the pilots was identified as Hiram Defries, a recent graduate of Punahou School, and the other as Preston Kaluhiwa from Kamehameha Schools.
The plane, a single-engine Cessna 208, was en route to Lanai Airport, located in Maui County. Kamaka Air specializes in freight delivery services for both personal and business needs. Fortunately, no other injuries were reported in the crash. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are set to conduct investigations to determine the cause of the accident.
This incident highlights the inherent risks that come with aviation training and serves as a reminder of the dedication pilots have to their craft. While the loss of life is devastating, the support and respect shown to those affected can foster a strong sense of community healing as investigations seek to uncover the details of this tragic event.
In summary, this heartbreaking incident serves as a somber reminder of the perils of flight training, yet it also underscores the importance of aviation safety and the collective efforts of authorities seeking to improve safety protocols in the future.