A tragic incident unfolded near Daniel K Inouye International Airport in Honolulu, Hawaii, on Monday, when a Kamaka Air Cessna 208 Caravan crashed into a building, killing at least two people. The crash, which occurred around 3:05 p.m. on Aolele Street, involved the aircraft conducting a training flight. The plane struck a state-owned building that was unoccupied and scheduled for demolition. Kamaka Air later confirmed that both crew members on board the aircraft had perished in the crash.
Eyewitness Accounts and Response
First responders, including Honolulu fire and police departments, were quick to arrive at the scene. Witnesses described a harrowing scene as a loud explosion echoed through the area, followed by a cloud of smoke. One witness, who was working nearby, recalled hearing a “loud, one big boom” and then observing the aftermath. Nancy Timco, a local worker, reported seeing the plane flying unusually low before the crash, which further heightened concerns.
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JUST IN: Small plane crashes into building near Honolulu Airport, killing both people on board pic.twitter.com/DuCs4PifkP
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According to radio communications, the pilot of Kamaka Flight 689 informed the control tower that the aircraft had lost control, stating, “We’re out of control here.” The tower responded with instructions for an emergency landing, but there was no further communication before the crash.
Condolences and Ongoing Investigation
Hawaii Governor Josh Green and Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi both expressed condolences, with Mayor Blangiardi calling the crash a “tragic” event. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into the cause of the crash. Kamaka Air, which has been operating since 1993 and provides inter-island air services, has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of their two crew members. CEO David Hinderland issued a statement saying, “It is with heavy hearts that Kamaka Air confirms the loss of two members of the Kamaka Air family.”
The crash remains under investigation as authorities seek to determine the cause of the aircraft’s loss of control.
