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KGMB9 News at 10
Missing Plane Found: No Survivors Print E-mail
June 22, 2008 10:33 PM

 
The impact of the crash smashed the plane into several pieces. The cessna was found upside down with one wing sheared off. For two families it's an emotional end to an agonizing wait. The crash killed pilot Katsuhiro Takahashi of Kona and two Japanese passengers onboard this Island Hoppers tour plane. An interpreter spoke on behalf of Nobuhiro and Masako Suzuki's family.

"After all this time had passed, they really didn't expect to ever learn of the whereabouts of the family members. But they're very grateful to know at least what happened to them," said Janet Snyder.


Chopper pilot David Okita seen here in the camouflage pants spotted the wreckage on the Southeastern slope of Mauna Loa at an elevation of 5,200 feet. Fire officials say crews recovered all three bodies from inside the aircraft.

"It's a very unfortunate event that occurred and we were actually quite lucky even to find the aircraft because of the vegetation and trees in that vicinity. It was pretty difficult," said Jim Struhsaker.

A crucial clue came from a nature conservancy group camping in the area the day the plane vanished.

"Heard an aircraft go by and the engine noise stopped suddenly. It wasn't like they heard it fade off in the distance. It abruptly stopped," said Chief Darryl Oliveira.


Okita was the pilot that dropped the group off. he found the plane in an area search crews had already covered.

"The weather typically in the mid morning hours the cloud cover comes down and obscures this area limiting to a very short portion of the day to conduct the search," said Chief Darryl Oliveira.

Island hoppers says its chief flight instructor was universally respected and loved among his peers and students. he was considered by all to be a 'pilot's pilot.' his cheerful presence will be sorely missed.

"We're just happy that we can bring some closure to this incident for the families. Obviously we would have liked to have found survivors but at least we can bring some closure for them," said Chief Darryl Oliveira.


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Last Updated ( June 22, 2008 10:33 PM )
 

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