Tragedy struck near Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu on Tuesday afternoon when a small plane crashed into a vacant building, resulting in the loss of two pilots’ lives. The incident involved a Kamaka Air Cessna 208 that was on a training flight at approximately 3:15 p.m. local time.
Ed Sniffen, director of Hawaii’s Department of Transportation, confirmed that the unfortunate event did not involve a charter flight, clarifying, “It was a training flight. Two souls were on board. Both perished.” Witnesses reported that the pilots made efforts to avoid nearby structures, including a fuel farm, to limit the crash’s impact.
The crash generated flames and thick black smoke, prompting a swift response from emergency services. Firefighters managed to contain the fire to the exterior of the abandoned building, which belongs to the Transportation Department. According to Honolulu Fire Chief Sheldon Hao, the plane struck an exterior stairwell, with the debris field limited to a 50-foot radius.
Audio communications from the aircraft indicated a concerning situation as air traffic control queried the pilots about their navigation. A pilot responded, “We’re out of control here,” just moments before the crash. Witnesses described observing the aircraft flying low, followed by a loud explosion.
Kamaka Air expressed its sorrow in a statement, confirming the loss of two members of their aviation family. The identities of the pilots have not been publicly disclosed. Fortunately, airport operations were not significantly disrupted, although nearby streets were closed to ensure safety.
In response to the tragedy, Hawaii Governor Josh Green extended condolences to the families affected and emphasized the ongoing support from the Department of Transportation for federal investigators working to determine the crash’s cause. Notably, the building impacted by the crash was already slated for demolition, which will take place soon.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with aviation training. As investigations continue, both the aviation community and the public can remain hopeful that the findings will lead to improved safety measures to prevent future tragedies of this nature.