A tragic plane crash occurred near Daniel K Inouye International Airport in Honolulu, Hawaii, claiming the lives of two individuals on Monday afternoon. The incident took place around 3:05 PM on Aolele Street, when a Kamaka Air Cessna 208 Caravan aircraft crashed into a state-owned building that was unoccupied and scheduled for demolition.

The airline was conducting a training flight at the time of the accident, according to reports from Hawaii News Now. First responders, including the Honolulu Fire and Police Departments, quickly arrived at the scene to assess the situation.

Witnesses recalled the moment of the crash, with one stating, ‘I heard a loud boom and saw clouds of smoke.’

Tragically, both individuals aboard the aircraft lost their lives. In a distressing final radio transmission, the pilot of Kamaka Flight 689 reported losing control of the plane, saying, ‘We’re out of control here.’ The control tower responded promptly, urging the pilot to land on any available runway if possible.

Nancy Timco, a local employee who witnessed the incident, described the frightening moment: ‘I thought, ‘He’s really low,’ and then there was a big bang.’

Local officials expressed sorrow over the incident, with Governor Josh Green and Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi offering their condolences. Mayor Blangiardi referred to the event as a ‘tragic’ occurrence that has deeply affected the community.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the crash. Kamaka Air, which has been a cargo and charter flight operator since 1993, confirmed the loss of two of its employees. CEO David Hinderland shared in the grief, stating, ‘Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of two members of the Kamaka Air family.’

This devastating incident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with aviation training and the importance of stringent safety protocols to protect both crew and community members.