Tragedy Strikes Training Flight Near HNL
On Tuesday, December 17, 2024, a Kamaka Air Cessna 208B Grand Caravan
(N689KA) tragically crashed shortly after takeoff from runway 4L at Daniel K.
Inouye International Airport (HNL), Honolulu, Hawaii. The accident claimed the
lives of both pilots onboard and destroyed the aircraft. The flight, operated
under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91, was a training session,
with one pilot serving as an instructor and the other as a student.
Timeline of Events
- 15:14:30 LT: The aircraft began its takeoff roll from runway 4L.
- 15:14:57 LT: The airplane lifted off at 91 knots groundspeed.
-
15:15:07 LT: A left bank was observed, deviating from the expected
right-hand turn.
-
15:15:22 LT: The left bank worsened until the airplane collided with a
vacant building in a near-vertical attitude.
Air traffic control communications
revealed the crew's distress:
- Tower: "Kamaka Flight 689, you’re turning right, correct?"
- Crew: "Kamaka 689, we are, we have, uh, we’re out of control here."
Ground observers and ADS-B data corroborated the sequence, showing an
uncontrolled left bank and eventual impact.
Weather and Environmental Conditions
Weather conditions near the airport were calm, with light winds (200° at 5
knots) and good visibility (10SM). METAR reports indicated no significant
weather factors that would contribute to the crash.
Aircraft and Crew
The Cessna 208B, manufactured in 2011, was powered by a Pratt & Whitney
Canada PT6A-114A engine. The pilot-in-command held a commercial and
instructor certificate with a valid first-class medical. The student pilot,
working toward his license.
Preliminary Analysis: Why the Airplane Turned Left Instead of Right
Several factors might explain the deviation and loss of control:
-
Mechanical Failure: A potential failure in the control system or
engine, such as asymmetrical thrust or flight control issues, could have
led to an uncontrollable left bank.
-
Pilot Input or Error: If the student inadvertently applied
excessive control input or failed to counteract forces like torque or
adverse yaw, the left bank could have escalated.
-
Aerodynamic Factors: Torque from the PT6A engine or insufficient
speed during climb could amplify a left-turning tendency.
-
Flight Training Dynamics: The instructional nature of the flight
may have contributed, with the crew managing unexpected challenges in a
high-stress moment.
Impact and Aftermath
The aircraft impacted a vacant building, igniting a post-crash fire.
Videos from ground observers confirmed the aggressive bank angle and rapid
descent. The NTSB is investigating the crash, and further insights will be
provided after a detailed analysis of the wreckage, flight data, and
ATC communications (Min 37).
Social Media
Confidence Rating
The information provided is based on news reports and social media sources,
which may not always be fully verified. This analysis is a self-effort and
does not reflect official statements or conclusions. As such, the confidence
rating for this data is considered unofficial and subject to further
investigation.
Keep Updated
Stay connected for real-time updates and exclusive content. Follow us on
X.com,
LinkedIn, and
Telegram to get the latest accident
news and industry insights. Join the conversation and stay informed with
AirSpaceNews.com
#AviationAccident #Cessna208B #HonoluluCrash #KamakaAir #AviationSafety
#NTSBInvestigation #FlightTraining
Comments
Post a Comment