Horrifying Honolulu Plane Crash Kills Two Pilots: Chilling Audio Reveals Final Moments

A tragic accident unfolded on Tuesday afternoon near Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, leaving a community in mourning and investigators scrambling to piece together the events that led to the devastating crash of a Kamaka Air Cessna 208 Caravan. The small plane, on a training flight, plummeted from the sky, crashing into a vacant building and claiming the lives of both pilots on board. This incident has sparked a comprehensive investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The crash occurred around 3:05 p.m. local time on Aolele Street. Witnesses described hearing a loud boom and seeing a fiery plume of black smoke billowing from the scene. One witness, working nearby, recounted hearing “a loud, one big boom,” followed by the sight of “clouds of smoke.” Another witness, Nancy Timko, observing from a seventh-floor office, saw the plane flying unusually low before it banked sharply and crashed with a deafening bang. The impact site was near the exterior stairwell of a vacant, state-owned building slated for demolition, and the fire was quickly contained to the building’s exterior.

Pilot's Final, Distressing Words

The chilling audio from the plane's final moments adds a layer of tragedy to this already heart-wrenching event. The pilot's distress call to the air traffic control tower is a testament to the sudden and unexpected turn of events:

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

These words paint a picture of a rapid and catastrophic loss of control, leaving little to no time for the pilots to react. The crash occurred moments after this exchange.

The Victims: Hiram Defries and Preston Kaluhiwa

While officials have yet to officially release the names of the deceased pilots, sources close to their families have identified them as Hiram Defries, a Punahou School graduate in his 20s, and Preston Kaluhiwa, a graduate of Kamehameha Schools. The families have shared the devastation they are facing in the aftermath of this sudden loss. Hiram, a pilot in training, was described by family and friends as a kind, warm person. Preston, with several years of flying experience, even obtained an advanced pilot license to operate multi-engine planes in Ohio in 2023. Both were incredibly talented, and the future held much promise. Both men were highly regarded by their peers and loved ones.

Hiram Defries: A Bright Future Cut Short

Hiram, described as a “good guy” by his Punahou football coach, Nate Kia, was known for his kindness and openheartedness. His commitment to his team and his community reflected his character. His girlfriend, Naleo Faurot, speaks poignantly about his kind heart and ability to bring joy to those around him.

Preston Kaluhiwa: Experienced Pilot, Beloved Friend

Preston’s dedication to aviation and his experience within Kamaka Air paint the image of a skillful professional. The fact that he had obtained a specialized license highlights his pursuit of excellence and his love for flying. His school friend, Kamaka Air manager Kapahukulaokamamalu Chow, remembers him as a calm and collected individual, perfectly suited for the life of a pilot.

The Aftermath and Ongoing Investigation

The Honolulu Fire Department, Honolulu Police Department, and other first responder agencies acted swiftly, but tragically, both pilots perished at the scene. Honolulu EMS Chief Jim Ireland shared his condolences, stating, “At EMS we always hope that there is somebody to help and tragically, today that wasn’t the case.” Governor Josh Green and Mayor Rick Blangiardi issued statements expressing their condolences and offering support services to those affected by this tragedy.

The impact on Kamaka Air, the pilots’ families, and the broader Hawaiian community is immense. Kamaka Air CEO, David Hinderland, released a statement confirming the loss and assuring cooperation with the ongoing investigation. He stressed the company's commitment to providing full support to the authorities and to sharing information responsibly as the investigation progresses. The NTSB has launched a full investigation to pinpoint the cause of the crash. Three NTSB investigators are on-site, documenting the wreckage and preparing it for transportation to a secure facility for further analysis. Anyone with information or relevant video footage is encouraged to contact the NTSB at [email protected]. While the physical impact of the incident was contained to the vacant building, this crash remains a profound reminder of the inherent risks in aviation and the devastating consequences of unexpected circumstances.

A Community in Mourning: Remembering Two Lost Souls

A community mourns the loss of two talented and promising individuals. The impact extends far beyond the immediate families and friends, affecting colleagues at Kamaka Air and the broader aviation community in Hawaii. The investigation will undoubtedly shed light on the precise cause of the crash, but for now, the focus remains on remembering the lives of Hiram and Preston, two individuals whose journeys ended far too soon. Their legacy of kindness and professional dedication will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of those who knew them.

The investigation continues, but one thing is clear: this was a tragedy that has left an indelible mark on Hawaii. The state has extended condolences to the families, offering assistance and support during this incredibly difficult time. Local streets were closed for several hours following the incident, but Honolulu airport facilities remained operational. The devastation this crash has brought is profound, the loss of life deeply felt.