76
Officials are reporting that a plane crash early this afternoon in Maunaloa, Molokai, has left two dead.
The aircraft, a Cessna 206, crashed while inbound to the Molokai Airport under unknown circumstances, said Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Allen Kenitzer.
The Maui Fire Department Fire Services Chief Edward Taomoto said local fire fighters and police discovered two bodies at the crash site at 12:12 p.m. They were responding to an 11:15 a.m. call from Molokai Air Traffic Control.
“They reported that they had lost communication with the aircraft,” Taomoto said. “We were able to locate the wreckage in a difficult to reach brush area, three to four miles west of the airport just east of the FAA navigational aid — the land-based radio beacon that pilots use to navigate between the islands.”
Taomoto said the plane was too badly burned to identify, but crews were able to confirm that two people died at the scene.
“The aircraft burned up after impact,” Taomoto said. “I believe that police have secured the site and they’ve left the bodies at the scene for investigators.”
Taomoto said crews reported low cloud ceilings and fog down to the road when they responded to the crash.
Kenitzer said the FAA and National Transportation Safety Board will investigate.
By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the Terms of Service. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our guidelines.
Having trouble with comments? Learn more here.