A small, twin-engine aircraft being used to transport skydivers went down Friday evening near Dillingham Airfield on the Hawaiian island of Oahu.
Eleven people were killed in the fiery crash, according to authorities, and there were no survivors.
Earlier reports put the number of casualties at nine, but the Federal Aviation Administration updated the number on Saturday.
Tragedy in Hawaii
Family members were apparently watching as the plane crashed and weren’t far from the scene of the accident when it occurred, according to Fox News. Pictures of the wreckage published by local newspapers made it clear that the chances of anyone surviving the devastating crash were very low.
Speaking with the Star-Advertiser, Honolulu Fire Chief Manuel Neves called the accident “the most tragic incident” that he has witnessed in his 44 years of service.
Honolulu Fire Chief Manuel Neves gives an update on the crash of an aircraft at Dillingham Airfield.
Read more at https://t.co/GVgNgBtnyW pic.twitter.com/9ynzrg0o3x— Star-Advertiser (@StarAdvertiser) June 22, 2019
Hawaii’s Department of Transportation released details about the make of the plane early Saturday morning, describing the King Air as an American-made small utility aircraft. The state agency announced at 1:25 a.m. that no survivors were expected.
Hawaii plane crash: Nine people killed as plane on skydiving trip goes down
The twin-engine King Air plane went down near Dillingham Airfield, officials said pic.twitter.com/uyTFPJwvQm
— Lilian Chan (@bestgug) June 22, 2019
Firefighters were dispatched at 6:24 p.m., and it took 14 units and 39 personnel some 20 minutes to put out the blaze. Smoke could reportedly be seen billowing from the crash site from miles away.
The fire department deployed an Air 1 helicopter to search for debris and evidence that could prove crucial in determining the cause of the accident. Local firefighters have handed the crash site over to a state crash unit, and officials are waiting for word from the Federal Aviation Administration on how to proceed with the investigation.
Condolences to the family
Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell released a public statement asking for prayers and sending his condolences to family members.
I am closely following the tragic developments out of Dillingham Airfield this evening. At this time our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the victims.
— Kirk Caldwell (@MayorKirkHNL) June 22, 2019
Officials have not said whether the Beechcraft King Air was taking off or landing at the time of the accident. Additionally, reporters are waiting for the names of the victims. Two women and nine men were on board, the Star-Advertiser reported.
Previous mishap
In 2016, the same airplane was involved in an incident while transporting parachute jumpers in California. After the plane stalled and went into a spin, the passengers were told to jump out.
The pilot was able to successfully land the plane, but it suffered enough damage to be described as “substantial” in a report by the National Transportation Safety Board. Investigators blamed the incident on pilot error.
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