Highlights
- Kamaka Air cargo plane crash near Daniel K. Inouye International Airport kills two people.
- The Cessna Caravan training flight crashed into an abandoned building on Ualena Street.
- Officials praise the pilot’s efforts to avoid a fueling station, preventing further tragedy.
- Governor Josh Green and Mayor Rick Blangiardi express condolences and support for victims’ families.
- The FAA and NTSB are investigating the crash to determine the cause.
- Nearby roads were temporarily closed but reopened by 6 p.m.; airport operations remain unaffected.
- Kamaka Air promises full cooperation with authorities and transparency during the investigation.
HONOLULU, HI – Tragedy struck near Daniel K. Inouye International Airport on Tuesday, December 17, when a Kamaka Air cargo plane crashed into an abandoned building, claiming the lives of both individuals on board.
The incident has left Hawaii’s aviation community reeling and sparked an urgent investigation by federal authorities.
The single-turboprop Cessna Caravan, identified as Kamaka Air flight 689, was on a training flight and departed from the airport’s Runway 4-Left at 3:15 p.m.
The aircraft was en route to Lanai Airport but never reached its destination. Shortly after takeoff, the plane went down on Ualena Street, on the makai side of the H-1 Freeway.
Witnesses reported heavy black smoke billowing from the crash site near the airport’s air cargo facilities.
Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene to confirm the deaths of both occupants. Officials have yet to release the identities of the victims, pending notification of their families.
Crash Details and Immediate Response
The Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) described the crash as catastrophic but noted that it could have been far worse. DOT Director Ed Sniffen commended the pilot’s apparent efforts to avoid a larger tragedy, noting that the crash occurred near a fueling station.
“The pilot seemed to have made adjustments to minimize the impact, steering the plane away from occupied areas,” said Sniffen. The building struck by the aircraft was vacant and slated for demolition, avoiding additional injuries or fatalities.
Honolulu Fire Chief Sheldon Hao stated that firefighters quickly contained the flames, limiting the fire to the exterior of the building and the wreckage of the aircraft.
The first responders, including airport and city emergency personnel, arrived within minutes due to the proximity of EMS headquarters to the crash site.
Hao extended condolences to the “Kamaka ohana” and praised the teamwork between agencies in managing the emergency.
Community and Official Reactions
The crash has prompted an outpouring of grief and support from officials and the public. Governor Josh Green expressed his sorrow in a statement shortly after the incident:
“Jaime’s and my hearts go out to the pilot and passenger and their families, as well as to all who have experienced this traumatic event. Services are available to help you process what you have witnessed; call 2-1-1, Aloha United Way, for assistance.”
Green emphasized the state’s commitment to assisting federal authorities in determining the cause of the crash.
Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi also released a statement, underscoring the risks undertaken by those in the aviation industry:
“This heartbreaking incident reminds us of the dedication and risks taken by those who help keep Hawaii’s essential goods moving. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone impacted by this tragedy during this incredibly difficult time.”
Blangiardi extended gratitude to the first responders who acted swiftly to manage the situation and reiterated the city’s readiness to support Kamaka Air and those affected by the crash.
Kamaka Air’s Statement and Investigation Updates
Kamaka Air CEO David Hinderland addressed the tragedy, calling for patience as investigations continue. “We are not releasing the names of the pilots until family members have had a chance to process this tragedy. We hope the media will give them the same consideration,” he stated.
Hinderland added that the company is fully cooperating with the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) as they work to determine the cause of the crash.
The FAA and NTSB have already begun their inquiries, but officials caution that determining the cause could take time.
Investigators will analyze data from the plane’s black box, if available, and review maintenance records, weather conditions, and the actions of the crew.
Witness Accounts and Road Closures
A witness who works near the airport described seeing the blue and white cargo plane pass by her seventh-floor office window before hearing a loud bang. The crash caused temporary closures of nearby roads, including Ualena, Aolele, and Paiea Streets. However, these roads were reopened by 6 p.m., restoring traffic flow in the area.
Despite the disruption, airport operations remained unaffected. HDOT coordinated with airport employees and Terminal 3 occupants to provide safe transportation away from the impacted areas.
Community Mourns While Awaiting Answers
Hawaii’s aviation community mourns the loss of two lives and the focus now shifts to understanding what led to this tragic accident. Kamaka Air, a well-respected cargo carrier in the islands, has pledged transparency and cooperation throughout the investigation.
The victims’ identities and ages have not been disclosed, but the loss resonates deeply with colleagues and families. “This is an absolute tragedy for the aviation community, but it could have been much worse,” Sniffen remarked, highlighting the pilot’s likely heroic efforts to avoid greater devastation.
