A skydiving plane in Oahu, Hawaii, crashed just after take off Friday, killing all nine on board.
The twin-engine skydiving plane, a Beechcraft 65 King Air operated by the Oahu Parachute Center, took off at about 6:30 in the evening at the Dillingham Airfield on Oahu’s north shore.
Witnesses said they could see the smoke from the crashed plane “from miles away.”
At 6:24 p.m., a fire was reported on the north shore and firefighters rushed to the crash site. When first responders arrived 12 minutes later, they found the plane completely engulfed in flames. It was then confirmed that no one on the plane had survived.
State Transportation Director Jade Butay told reporters at the scene, “During this difficult time, we want to express our deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of the flight crew and passengers.”
Honolulu fire chief said Manuel Neves said there were family members who had not boarded the plane, and the fire department is speaking with them.
“In my 40 years as a firefighter here in Hawaii, this is the most tragic aircraft incident that we’ve had,” Neves told reporters.
Investigators so far have confirmed six employees and three student divers were on board when the plane crashed.
Tim Sakahara of the Department of Transportation declined to release the names of those who perished out of respect for their families.
Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell tweeted Friday, “I am closely following the tragic developments out of Dillingham Airfield this evening. At this time our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the victims.”
