Tragedy struck near Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu on Tuesday afternoon when a small plane crashed into an abandoned building, resulting in the deaths of both pilots on board. The aircraft, a Kamaka Air Cessna 208, was on a training flight when the incident occurred around 3:15 p.m. local time, according to Ed Sniffen, the director of Hawaii’s Department of Transportation.
Notably, Sniffen clarified that this was not a commercial charter flight, but rather a training exercise. “Two souls were on board. Both perished,” he stated during a press briefing. Fortunately, the building struck by the aircraft, which is owned by the Transportation Department, was unoccupied at the time of the crash.
Witnesses described the aircraft maneuvering at a low altitude before the crash, with one onlooker reporting seeing the plane fly dangerously close to her office window shortly before hearing a loud explosion. Eyewitness accounts indicated that the pilots attempted to avoid heavily populated areas, including a nearby fuel farm, in order to minimize potential harm.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are currently investigating the cause of the accident. Audio from air traffic control indicates that moments before the crash, a responding pilot reported, “We’re out of control here.”
Firefighters were swift in their response, managing to contain the resulting fire to the outer part of the building, which was set to be demolished shortly after the incident. Additionally, Kamaka Air expressed its deep sorrow over the loss of their team members, though the names of the pilots have not been disclosed.
Hawaii Governor Josh Green extended condolences to the families affected by this tragic event and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to support the investigation efforts, which may take time to conclude.
In these challenging circumstances, the community can take solace in the swift response from emergency services and the dedication of officials to uncover the causes behind the crash. The tragic loss of life serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with aviation training and the importance of safety protocols in such operations.
Overall, while this accident marks a somber moment, it also underscores the resilience and support systems within Hawaii to aid those affected.