The tragic plane crash near Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu has left the aviation community mourning the loss of two talented pilots from Kamaka Air. Although official details about their identities have not been released, loved ones have confirmed that the victims were Hiram deFries-Saronitman, 24, and Preston Kaluhiwa, 26.
Both deFries-Saronitman and Kaluhiwa were licensed commercial pilots, embarking on a routine training flight to Lanai when their Cessna 208 Caravan suddenly lost control and crashed into an unoccupied building. The devastating incident has shaken the close-knit aviation community in Hawaii, with family, friends, and colleagues paying tribute to the young pilots at a private vigil held at the Kamaka Air hangar.
Kaluhiwa, described as an experienced pilot, had been with Kamaka Air for several years. He recently traveled to Ohio in 2023 to obtain an advanced pilot license for multi-engine aircraft. His friends and colleagues remember him as a calm and skilled aviator who excelled both in the air and on the ground.
On the other hand, deFries-Saronitman, who was on his final training flight, had a passion for flying and a deep connection to his indigenous Hawaiian roots. A graduate of Punahou School, where he was not only a standout football player but also a fluent speaker of Olelo Hawaii, the Hawaiian language, deFries-Saronitman was known for his kindness and selflessness.
The impact of this tragedy goes beyond the aviation world, touching the lives of those who knew the pilots personally. Preston Kaluhiwa's family and community remember him as a talented musician and athlete who pursued his dream of becoming a pilot with passion and dedication. He was cherished for his positive spirit and zest for life, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered fondly by all who knew him.
The National Transportation Safety Board cNTSBc and the Federal Aviation Administration cFAAc are conducting a thorough investigation into the crash to determine the cause of the accident. Witnesses reported harrowing moments leading up to the crash, with audio transmissions revealing the pilots' struggle to maintain control before the tragic impact.
In the wake of the crash, community members and aviation professionals have come together to honor the lives of these two young pilots and offer support to their families during this difficult time. As the investigation progresses, the aviation industry will reflect on the importance of safety protocols and training practices to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Kamaka Air, a well-established inter-island airline and logistics company in Hawaii, expressed deep sadness over the loss of their crew members and pledged to cooperate fully with the authorities during the investigative process. The company's commitment to safety and professionalism will be under scrutiny as the aviation community seeks to learn from this heartbreaking event.
As the aviation world mourns the loss of these two promising pilots, their memory will be cherished by their loved ones, colleagues, and the broader community in Hawaii. The impact of this tragedy serves as a reminder of the risks inherent in aviation and the need for continuous vigilance and adherence to safety procedures to ensure the well-being of all those in the skies.
