2 dead when plane crashes into abandoned building near Honolulu airport

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Two people were killed when a plane crashed into a building near Daniel K. Inouye International Airport on Tuesday afternoon.

It happened around 3:05 p.m. on Aolele Street.

State officials said a Kamaka Air Cessna 208 Caravan was conducting a training flight when it crashed into a vacant state-owned building that was slated for demolition.

Both people on board were killed.

Multiple first responders, including the Honolulu Fire Department and Honolulu Police Department, responded to the incident.

A witness who works in the area tells Hawaii News Now he heard a loud crash and saw a plane on fire.

“I was working and all of a sudden there was a loud, big bang and when I looked out there was just a bunch of damn smoke and my colleagues were telling me that a plane had crashed right next to our building,” he said.

Nancy Timko works just down the street.

“I was sitting at my desk and suddenly saw a small plane flying past my seventh floor office window. And I said, ‘Oh, he’s really, really low,’ and he started turning and heading back toward the airport, and then I heard a loud bang,” she said.

Fire officials said the plane hit the exterior stairwell area and the flames were confined to the exterior of the building.

Kamaka Air is based in Hawaii and was founded in 1993. The company is an inter-island airline and logistics company that provides air cargo services such as charter services and per-pound services.

According to audio transmissions from Kamaka Air 689, the pilot told the control tower: “We are out of control here.”

Tower: Kamaka Flight 689, you’re turning right, right?
Pilot: Kamaka 689, we are, we have, uh, we are out of control here.
Tower: Okay, Kamaka 689, if you can land, if you can balance it, that’s fine. Any runway, any place you can work.

The state DOT said the pilot made adjustments to minimize the impact of the crash.

Witnesses who were driving in the area at the time captured the accident on dashcam video. Warning: Viewers may find the video below disturbing.

Kamaka Air CEO David Hinderland issued the following statement:

“It is with a heavy heart that Kamaka Air confirms the loss of two members of the Kamaka Air family in an accident this afternoon at 3:13 p.m. near Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. We will not release the pilots’ names until family members have had a chance to process this tragedy, and we hope the media will give them the same attention.

In the meantime, we remain available to the Hawaii Department of Transportation, the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration to investigate this accident and will also provide related information to the media as it is confirmed in the coming hours and days.

At this time, we ask for your patience as you understand the urgency of obtaining accurate information that will not only provide a clear understanding of what is happening, but also ensure that the information is handled appropriately.”

All airport facilities remained operational, but Ualena and Aolele roads were closed for several hours.

Governor Josh Green said in a statement:

“Jaime’s thoughts and my thoughts are with the pilot and passenger and their families, as well as everyone who experienced this traumatic event. There are services available to help you process your witnesses. Call 2-1-1, Aloha United Way, for assistance. Our Department of Transportation team will provide all necessary assistance to federal officials whose task will be to investigate this incident and determine a cause that may not be known for some time.”

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi said in a statement:

“I am deeply saddened by the tragic plane crash on Oahu this afternoon that claimed the lives of two Kamaka Air employees. On behalf of the City and County of Honolulu, I extend my deepest condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of those we lost.

This heartbreaking incident reminds us of the dedication and risks taken by those who help keep Hawaii’s vital supplies moving. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this tragedy at this incredibly difficult time.

Our thanks also go to the first responders who were on site quickly to provide assistance. The city stands ready to support Kamaka Air and all those affected in any way possible.”

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