Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi – A pilot is recovering with minor injuries after a single-engine Cessna aircraft crash-landed on the access road of Kekaha Kai State Park earlier today, just north of Kona International Airport. The incident occurred around 7:00 a.m. after the pilot reported engine problems.
Hawaiʻi Fire Department (HFD) units were dispatched following a Mayday call to the tower, which then abruptly lost communication with the aircraft due to power loss. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, attempted an emergency landing on the Kekaha Kai State Park road after experiencing the engine issues.
Following the crash landing, the pilot was able to walk away from the aircraft. HFD personnel treated and assessed the pilot’s injuries at the scene before transporting them to Kona Community Hospital for further evaluation of what were described as minor injuries.
As a direct result of the incident, the Kekaha Kai State Park access road is now closed and will remain closed for an undisclosed period, likely for most, if not all, of the day, to allow for the safe removal of the aircraft and for authorities to conduct their investigation. Motorists and park visitors are advised to avoid the area and seek alternative access points if available.
Further investigation into the cause of the engine problems and the crash landing is expected.