HONOPU BEACH — Kaua‘i firefighters have recovered the bodies of two men believed to be the pilot and passenger of an ultralight that crashed off Honopu Beach this morning. According to preliminary reports, a tour boat discovered the two bodies
HONOPU BEACH — Kaua‘i firefighters have recovered the bodies of two men believed to be the pilot and passenger of an ultralight that crashed off Honopu Beach this morning.
According to preliminary reports, a tour boat discovered the two bodies along with the wreckage after witnessing the crash approximately 100 yards off shore and brought the victims, both unresponsive, on board, a county press release said.
Rescuers recovered the bodies from the tour boat and brought them ashore at about 2:10 p.m.
The U.S. Coast Guard notified police dispatch of the crash at approximately 10:53 a.m. off the North Shore beach, the release said. The victims have not been identified.
The victims’ identities will most likely not be released until tomorrow as it is pending notification of next of kin, said county spokeswoman Sarah Blane.
She said the county will not determine the cause of the crash. That will be up to the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration, which will eventually get involved.
An employee of Kaua‘i Aerosports confirmed that the aircraft belonged to his company, but he chose not to comment at this time.
According to the powered hang glider business’ website, Kaua‘i Aerosports offers introductory flight lessons over the island’s canyons, rivers, waterfalls and coastline.
“Geared for the first time flyer as well as the experienced aviator, let Kauai Aeropsorts introduce you to the marvelous and fastest growing sector of personal aviation in the country,” the site states. “Everyone gets to fly the plane before we’re finished!”
It is based out of the Port Allen Airport in Hanapepe. The company’s website also touts a “perfect safety record” on Kaua‘i and the mainland for the past 25 years.
“For this reason we currently operate one aircraft and fly our clients one at a time,” it states.
Kaua‘i Aerosports flies an craft known as the P&M “Quik.” According to an employee at P&M AviationUSA in Cumming, Ga. He described the Quik as a light sport aircraft.
Check back for updates at www.thegardenisland.com, and read more in Wednesday’s edition of The Garden Island.
