HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - A tragic plane crash near the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport claimed the lives of two individuals on December 17, 2024. The incident, which occurred around 3:05 p.m. Hawaiian time, involved a Kamaka Air Cessna 208 Caravan conducting what was described as a training flight.
The small aircraft crashed directlyinto a vacant state-owned building on Aolele Street, which had been slated for demolition. Remarkably, no injuries were reported on the ground, as the building was unoccupied at the time of the accident.
Multiple first responder agencies, including the Honolulu Fire Department and the Honolulu Police Department, rushed to the scene. Eyewitness accounts painted a vivid picture of the event. Nancy Timco, who works nearby, detailed her experience: "I was sitting at my desk, and all of a sudden, I saw a small plane fly past my office window... and then I heard a loud bang," she recounted. Another witness, Sister Alicia, described how she observed the plane losing altitude before the explosion. "Coming down it looked like it was like over the United Cargo and going on toward the main terminal but it kept losing altitude... until there was a big crash," she told reporters.
According to audio transmissions from Kamaka Air Flight 689, shortly before the crash, the pilot informed air traffic control, "We’re out of control here," signaling imminent danger. The air traffic controller responded urgently, offering guidance to attempt to land the aircraft: "Kamaka 689, if you can level it off, that's fine. Any runway, any place you can do."
Despite the attempts to avert disaster, both occupants of the plane were pronounced dead at the scene. Kamaka Air CEO, David Hinderland, expressed deep sadness over the loss. "We are not releasing the names of the pilots until family members have had a chance to process this tragedy," he said. He added, "We are making ourselves available to the Hawaii Department of Transportation, National Transportation Safety Board, and the Federal Aviation Administration for investigation..."
Governor Josh Green and Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi both issued statements of condolence, acknowledging the heartbreak of the event and emphasizing the support available for witnesses and families impacted by the crash. Green said, "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." He offered resources for those affected, stating, "Services are available to help you process what you have witnessed; call 2-1-1, Aloha United Way, for assistance."
Blangiardi complemented this with his own statement, labeling the crash "a heartbreaking incident" and recognizing the ceaseless dedication of those involved with inter-island logistics who often face challenging conditions on the job. "Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone impacted by this tragedy during this incredibly difficult time," he added.
The Honolulu Emergency Operations Center was partially activated to coordinate the response, which saw both Ualena and Aolele streets closed for several hours to manage the aftermath of the crash. DOT Director Edwin Sniffen praised the quick response from emergency teams, noting, "The great thing is, [the] building was abandoned, so nobody was inside at the time."
After the crash, heavy smoke enveloped the area, which was captured on video from various eyewitnesses. The state’s Department of Transportation confirmed operations at Honolulu Airport continued with no impact, even as authorities focused on recovery and investigation efforts.
The National Transportation Safety Board, along with the Federal Aviation Administration, are now conducting thorough investigations to ascertain the cause of the crash, which has elicited widespread shock and mourning within the local community. A poignant reminder of the risks associated with aviation, this incident has brought families, friends, and colleagues of the deceased together to cope with their grief and loss.
With so much still under investigation, the community awaits answers on what may have transpired during Kamaka Air Flight 689, reflecting on the lives lost and the dedication of those who take to the skies to sustain Hawaii's inter-island logistics.
