The families of the pilots involved in the tragic Kamaka Air crash near Daniel K. Inouye International Airport have identified them. One pilot, 22-year-old Hiram deFries from the Hawaiian homestead in Papakolea, was a 2020 Punahou graduate training for his pilot’s license. The other pilot, Preston Kaluhiwa, was a graduate of Kamehameha Schools.
The crash occurred on December 17 at around 3:15 p.m., shortly after the cargo plane took off from Honolulu’s airport. The plane, on a training flight, crashed into a vacant building and burst into flames, killing both pilots on board. According to the FAA, video footage captured the plane veering sideways at low altitude before the crash, sending up a thick plume of smoke.
Recorded communications between the pilot and air traffic control revealed the pilot’s struggle to regain control before the fatal crash. Kamaka Air CEO David Hinderland confirmed the deaths, expressing deep sorrow over the loss.
The sound of wailing could be heard from Kamaka Air's offices, where many grieving family and friends gathered. This heartbreaking incident has left the community in mourning, deeply impacting those who knew and loved the pilots. Our sincerest condolences go out to the families of Hiram deFries and Preston Kaluhiwa. For further details, please refer to the main article.
