Five people were killed on Monday morning, May, 23, 2016. The county fire department said it happened around 9:30 a.m. local time. This tragedy occurred after a small skydiving tour plane crashed and caught fire in Hawaii.
Officials said that the plane crashed on the island of Kauai.
Ian Gregor, one of the spokesmen of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), stated that the single-engine plane was taking off from Port Allen when it came down “under unknown circumstances”. So, the cause of the plane crash is uncertain yet.
Four of the people inside the plane were pronounced dead at the crash site. However, one man was taken to Wilcox Memorial Hospital, where he later died. Local fire officials said that a pilot, two instructors and two tandem jumpers were believed to be on the plane at the time of the crash.
Kauai firefighters didn’t confirm the names of the victims yet. However, they believe that this group can be part of a tour operated by SkyDive Kauai.
Federal Aviation Administration records identify D & J Air Adventures as the registered owner of the aircraft. SkyDive Kauai is listed in state documents as a trade name for them.
The Federal Aviation Administration will work with both National Transportation Safety Board and officials to investigate the cause of the accident.
The crash caused the plane to catch fire, which sent flames through the surrounding bush.
Company President David Timko said he offered his condolences to the families of those killed. However, he didn’t comment on the case because the investigation has not been completed.
Last Similar Accident
After a few hours, around 11:50 p.m., a small aircraft crashed into the water off Makaha Beach Park. Two survival people swam to shore.
Nearby construction workers heard a loud noise and saw the plane sinking.
A single-engine Beechcraft Sundowner reportedly experienced engine trouble while inbound to Honolulu International Airport. The pilot landed the plane in the water just off Makaha Beach.
The plane crashed in the area called Charlie’s Reef about 50 yards offshore and in about 15 feet of water.
Lifeguards helped the two occupants of the aircraft. They treated the pilot of the plane and a woman for minor injuries. Emergency Medical Services officials declared that both are in a stable condition now.
The National Transportation Safety Board and the FAA will investigate this case.
Vital Statistics
State Department of Health statistics shows 20 visitors died in aircraft crashes in Hawaii from 2005 to 2014, including one skydiver.
The others were killed in plane, helicopter and light sport aircraft crashes.
Over the same period, 24 residents died in air crashes, including four skydivers.
The right investigations are required. However, the best thing that could happen now is finding real solutions to prevent this kind of accidents. In this way, the responsible companies and authorities can avoid deaths, other major and small injuries. I think it will be a target from now on to reduce the number of the fatalities.
What do you think about this unconsciousness? Which are the solutions that should be implemented to avoid such tragedies? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
