A devastating aviation accident unfolded on the afternoon of Tuesday, December 17, 2024, when a Kamaka Air cargo plane, identified as Flight 689, tragically crashed near the Daniel K. Inouye Honolulu International Airport on the island of Oʻahu, Hawaii. The accident claimed the lives of two young and promising pilots, 23-year-old Hiram DeFries and 25-year-old Preston Kaluhiwa, both deeply cherished members of their respective communities in Hawaii. The crash has sent shockwaves through the aviation industry, the state of Hawaii, and beyond, as investigations begin to uncover the cause of this heartbreaking event.
The incident occurred at approximately 3:05 p.m. local time when the Kamaka Air plane, which had been engaged in inter-island cargo transport, went down in an area perilously close to a cluster of large fuel storage tanks located near Lagoon Drive. Witnesses reported hearing unusual engine noises moments before the aircraft plummeted to the ground. Eyewitness accounts described the plane appearing to struggle with its trajectory, as if the pilots were fighting to maintain control. Despite the chaos of the situation, it became evident to onlookers and aviation experts that the pilots made heroic efforts to steer the aircraft away from the fuel storage tanks and nearby populated areas, averting a potentially catastrophic explosion that could have endangered countless lives.
The two men on board were later identified by family and friends as Hiram DeFries, a recent graduate of Punahou School who had only recently earned his commercial pilot’s license, and Preston Kaluhiwa, an experienced pilot and alumnus of Kamehameha Schools. Both men had been highly regarded for their passion for aviation, their professionalism, and their commitment to ensuring the safe and efficient transport of goods between the Hawaiian islands. Their actions in the final moments of the flight have been described as nothing short of heroic, as they prioritized the safety of others over their own lives.
In the immediate aftermath of the crash, emergency responders from multiple agencies rushed to the scene. Honolulu Fire Department crews, paramedics, and law enforcement officers arrived quickly to secure the site and assess the damage. Tragically, both DeFries and Kaluhiwa were pronounced dead at the scene. The wreckage of the Kamaka Air aircraft was cordoned off as federal and local investigators began their work to determine the cause of the crash. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) have launched a joint investigation, but officials have cautioned that it could take weeks or even months to fully understand the factors that led to this tragic incident.
Kamaka Air, a family-owned cargo airline that has long been a vital part of Hawaii’s inter-island logistics network, released a brief but heartfelt statement expressing their condolences to the families of the deceased pilots. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of two of our valued team members, Hiram DeFries and Preston Kaluhiwa. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. We are cooperating fully with the investigation and are committed to providing support to those affected by this tragedy.”
The news of the crash has deeply impacted Hawaii’s close-knit communities, where both pilots were known and loved. Hiram DeFries, who hailed from Kailua, was remembered by friends and family as a bright and driven young man with a lifelong dream of becoming a pilot. “Hiram had a passion for the skies from the time he was a little boy,” said his father, Daniel DeFries. “He was determined to make a difference, and he loved what he did. We are heartbroken, but we are so proud of the man he became.” Similarly, Preston Kaluhiwa, a native of Kaneohe, was described by those who knew him as a dedicated professional who always sought to mentor younger pilots and give back to his community. “Preston was a leader, not just in the cockpit but in life,” said his former flight instructor, Kapena Aiona. “He cared deeply about his heritage, his family, and his work. This is a loss that will be felt for a long time.”
State and local leaders have also shared their grief and offered support to the families of the victims. Hawaii Governor Dr. Josh Green issued a statement shortly after the crash, saying, “Hiram’s and Preston’s lives were tragically cut short in service to our community. Their bravery in the face of unimaginable circumstances speaks volumes about their character and dedication. Our hearts go out to their families, and we are committed to ensuring that the investigation is thorough and transparent. We encourage anyone struggling with the impact of this tragedy to seek help through available resources.” Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi echoed these sentiments, adding, “This heartbreaking incident reminds us of the incredible dedication of those who work to keep our state connected and running smoothly. Hiram and Preston embodied the spirit of aloha in their service to others, and their loss is a profound one for our city and state.”
In the days following the crash, tributes have poured in from friends, colleagues, and members of the aviation community. Social media has been flooded with messages of condolence and memories of the two pilots. Kamaka Air employees held a private memorial service to honor their fallen colleagues, while aviation enthusiasts across the islands have organized a vigil to pay tribute to DeFries and Kaluhiwa’s lives and contributions. Flowers, lei, and handwritten notes have been left near the crash site, where members of the public have come to pay their respects and offer prayers.
As the investigation continues, questions remain about what caused the crash. Preliminary findings suggest the possibility of mechanical failure, as witnesses reported hearing sputtering noises from the plane’s engines before it went down. However, investigators have not ruled out other factors, including weather conditions, pilot error, or external interference. The NTSB has recovered the plane’s black box and cockpit voice recorder, which are expected to provide crucial insights into the final moments of Flight 689. Aviation safety experts have also noted the importance of examining maintenance records and the plane’s flight history to determine whether any systemic issues may have contributed to the tragedy.
The crash has reignited discussions about aviation safety in Hawaii, where inter-island travel and cargo transport are essential to daily life. Some have called for stricter regulations and oversight of smaller airlines to ensure the highest standards of safety are maintained. Others have emphasized the need for better support systems for pilots, who often face challenging conditions and demanding schedules. “This incident is a stark reminder of the risks that come with aviation, especially in an island state like ours,” said aviation analyst Kaleo Nakamura. “We owe it to Hiram and Preston to learn from this tragedy and make our skies safer for everyone.”
In the face of this profound loss, the families of Hiram DeFries and Preston Kaluhiwa have expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of support from the community. “The love and kindness we’ve received have been a source of strength during this incredibly difficult time,” said Kaluhiwa’s sister, Leilani. “Preston and Hiram may be gone, but their spirit lives on in the hearts of those they touched.”
The legacy of these two pilots will undoubtedly endure, not only through the memories of their loved ones but also in the lessons learned from their tragic sacrifice. As Hawaii mourns the loss of two of its own, the courage and selflessness displayed by Hiram DeFries and Preston Kaluhiwa in their final moments serve as a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the enduring power of aloha.
