With another incident this past weekend, we thought it good to review airline safety ratings here in Hawaii. It’s been just one month since we reported on a near collision involving a Hawaiian Airlines plane on Maui. Now the other company involved in that incident, Makani Kai Air, has had yet another problem. This time a near collision on Molokai. Let us just say, there may be at least one Hawaii airline we won’t be flying.
The latest Makani Kai Air safety issue.
Makani Kai Air had a “hard landing” this past weekend in order to avoid a collision when their Cessna Caravan found another aircraft on the runway as they were landing. The nose gear collapsed and the plane was not flyable from additional propeller, wing and engine cowling damage. The other plane involved reportedly had a student pilot, so this may well not have been Makani Kai’s fault. More to be revealed.
Previous Hawaiian Airlines and Makani Kai Air incident.
The company was also involved in a near collision with a Hawaiian Airlines plane on February 1. On that occasion, the Hawaiian Airlines flight had received take off clearance from Kahului and had been warned about another plane preparing for departure. The Makani Kai pilot erroneously thought it was his flight that had been cleared. Fortunately, the pilot of the Hawaiian Airlines’ plane proactively initiated a turn to avoid the collision. Air Traffic Control also alerted the planes. The incident is still pending investigation.
A 2013 Makani Kai Air crash killed Hawaii’s state health director
Makani Kai had a crash into the ocean in December 2013. In that event, a loud bang was heard on-board their Cessna 208, followed by loss of power when the flight took off from Kalaupapa, Molokai. There were 9 passengers on board and 8 survived. The Hawaii state health director Loretta Fuddy was killed. The NTSB report on that accident indicated that Ms. Fuddy was wearing an infant life vest. Passengers also claimed that they had not been given a pre-flight safety briefing. That was disputed by the company which indicated they had received the briefing but did not remember it.
Makani Kai is a commuter and charter airline that flies between Honolulu and Hoolehua Airport, Molokai as well as between Hoolehua and both Kahului and Kapalua on Maui. They also provide service to Kalaupapa Molokai, and have been in business since 1998.
Airline Safety Records – Hawaiian Airlines, Island Air and Mokulele Airlines.
Hawaiian Airlines’ safety record has been incredible, especially given the sheer volume of flights and customers since 1929. They have never had a fatal accident or the loss of a plane hull since their founding in 1929. They have had some relatively minor incidents.
Island Air has had a good safety record with one very serious exception. Island Air guest satisfaction, however, is an entirely different matter which they are trying to resolve through a new aircraft fleet. Island Air has had a series of five owners, one of which was involved in a fatal crash in 1989. In that incident, flight 1712 took off from Maui and crashed in heavy clouds near Halawa Valley Molokai. 20 on-board were killed.
The company has had a good safety record and has only been involved in one incident. In October 2013, flight 1770 had an emergency landing due to engine failure. The flight from Kahului to Waimea (Big Island) landed on the Piilani Highway. No injuries resulted.
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I think that these little puddle jumpers need to re-evaluate their maintenance and flight crew compensation packages! The little airlines must realize that just because you want to operate small doesn’t mean that their quality and safety should be “small” as well. Because no matter how large or small an airlines…life has no price!
Hi, Good morning, I’m planning on a trip to Oahu in Mid August from LAX. Is it possible for you to give me an idea of the best time to book as far as lower fares are concerned? Thanks! Ruth D
Hi Ruth.
Pretty much all laid out for you here: https://beatofhawaii.com/the-cheapest-time-to-fly-to-hawaii/. Stay tuned as sales could occur any time from now through then. Expect to pay about $500 RT.
Aloha.
Aloha,
I always enjoy getting Beat Of Hawaii. The stories are interesting and even useful for us to use at times. Thanks!
I read somewhere in the past 6 months that Cocoa Palms Hotel on Kauai will be opening (finally) sometime in 2017. (I stayed there on my honeymoon in 1988) Can you please give us an estimate of when? An estimate of price would be helpful as well if you do that.
Mahalo and I look forward to reading your response.
Guy
Hi Guy.
We’ve heard 2nd half of 2018 for re-opening, but you never know here. We haven’t seen prices but imagine prices starting in mid to high $300’s off season.
Aloha.