A small cargo plane engaged in a training flight tragically crashed into an unoccupied building shortly after takeoff from Honolulu’s airport, resulting in the deaths of both pilots on board.
The incident occurred at around 3:15 p.m. Tuesday when Kamaka Air Flight 689 crashed into a structure at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, as reported by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Eyewitness video captured the aircraft as it tilted sideways at a low altitude before crashing, producing a large column of dark smoke.
In communication with air traffic control, the pilots indicated they were losing control of the aircraft. Despite the tower’s efforts to guide them to safety and suggest a landing on any available runway, the plane crashed shortly afterward.
Kamaka Air’s CEO, David Hinderland, conveyed profound sorrow about the loss of the two pilots, whose identities have not yet been officially released. However, local media reported that family members identified one of the victims as Hiram Defries, a young pilot in training, and the other as Preston Kaluhiwa, a graduate of Kamehameha Schools.
The single-engine Cessna 208 was on its way to Lanai Airport in Maui County, and Kamaka Air specializes in freight delivery services for both individuals and businesses. Fortunately, no other individuals were reported injured in the incident. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board have initiated investigations into the crash.
This incident serves as a somber reminder of the risks associated with aviation, particularly during training. The aviation community often rallies together in times of tragedy, and there is hope that this incident will prompt further discussions on safety protocols to ensure such occurrences are minimized in the future.
Summary: A tragic crash of a training cargo plane in Honolulu resulted in the deaths of both pilots on board. The incident is under investigation by FAA and NTSB, highlighting the ongoing need for aviation safety improvements.