Two Killed in Plane Crash into Building Near Honolulu Airport

 

A Kamaka Air Cessna 208 Caravan was conducting a training flight when it crashed into a vacant building that was slated for demolition.

ublished: Dec. 18, 2024 at 7:46 AM GMT+6

Two Dead in Plane Crash Near Daniel K. Inouye International Airport

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Two people were killed when a small plane crashed into a vacant building near Daniel K. Inouye International Airport Tuesday afternoon. The incident occurred at approximately 3:05 p.m. on Aolele Street.

According to state officials, the Kamaka Air Cessna 208 Caravan was conducting a training flight when it struck the exterior stairwell of a state-owned, unoccupied building scheduled for demolition. Both individuals on board were confirmed dead. While their identities have not been officially released, sources identified one victim as Hiram Defries, a Punahou School graduate in his 20s who was training as a pilot.

Emergency responders, including the Honolulu Fire Department and Honolulu Police Department, arrived at the scene. Witnesses reported hearing a loud crash and seeing the plane engulfed in flames. One nearby worker described hearing “a loud, one big boom” and observing “clouds of smoke.” Another witness from a nearby office described seeing the small plane fly past her window, banking toward the airport before hearing the crash.

Fire officials noted that the flames were confined to the building’s exterior, and efforts were focused on securing the area. Audio transmissions from Kamaka Air 689 indicated that the pilot informed the control tower of an emergency, stating, “We’re out of control here.”

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into the crash. Preliminary reports suggest that the flight crew reported control issues shortly after takeoff. Three NTSB investigators are en route to the scene to examine the wreckage, which will be transported to a secure facility for further analysis. Witnesses or anyone with surveillance footage related to the accident is encouraged to contact the NTSB at witness@ntsb.gov.

Kamaka Air, an inter-island airline and logistics provider founded in 1993, confirmed the loss of two members of its team in a statement. CEO David Hinderland expressed condolences and emphasized that the names of the victims would not be released until their families have been notified. He also stated that Kamaka Air would fully cooperate with the investigation conducted by the NTSB, FAA, and Hawaii’s Department of Transportation.

“All airport facilities remain operational,” officials said. However, Ualena and Aolele Streets were closed for several hours following the incident.

The investigation is ongoing.