2 Kauai men killed after Civil Air Patrol plane crashes north of Kekaha

Two people were killed when a Civil Air Patrol plane crashed during a training exercise on Kauai Sunday afternoon, according to the National Transportation Safety Board.

The Cessna 172 went down at 3:45 p.m. Sunday in mountainous terrain 13 miles north of Kekaha, according to the NTSB. Kauai police confirmed that two people on board, the pilot and co-pilot, did not survive.

The two were identified as Civil Air Patrol volunteers James Degnan, age 76, of Princeville, and David Parker, age 78, of Kapaa, according to a news release. Police and fire officials recovered their bodies around 10 a.m. today.

“We extend our sincere condolences to the loved ones of James and David, and our partners over at the Civil Air Patrol, whom we work with closely,” said KPD’s Investigative Services Bureau Assistant Chief Bryson Ponce, in a release. “These individuals were seasoned pilots who were part of our Kaua‘i community, and we know they will be missed deeply.”

The scene and investigation of the crash have been turned over to the NTSB and Federal Aviation Administration for further investigation.

“We are deeply saddened by the news of this terrible incident, and extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of these pilots who were well known in our tight-knit community,” said Mayor Derek Kawakami in a release. “The Civil Air Patrol has always been there to help our community during disasters and emergencies. We thank our first responders for working urgently and doing everything they could to bring a sense of closure for those touched by this tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers will continue to be with you all.”

Degnan and Parker were piloting the Cessna 172 Skyhawk on a routine, monthly tsunami warning practice run.

The United States Air Force Auxiliary, Civil Air Patrol was founded on Dec. 1, 1941, to mobilize the nation’s civilian aviation resources for national defense service, according to the CAP website. The Hawaii Wing flies training missions year-round, Wing Commander Chantal Lonergan told the Star-Advertiser.

“Our volunteers are highly dedicated and committed to serving the community,” said Lonergan. “We are aligning our hearts with the family members and hoping for the best.”

The Hawaii Wing works with county and state first responders, including local civil defense and emergency management agencies, to fly tsunami, hurricane, and tropical storm warning missions over the coastal areas and rain forests in addition to aerial damage and disaster assessment flights, search and rescue, and USGS Volcanoes National Observatory overflight of lava flow zones, according to the CAP Hawaii Wing’s website.

The Kalalau Lookout in Kokee is closed today, according to Kauai County, and a no-fly zone is in place for the Kalalau and Kokee areas.

This breaking news story will be updated.