Hawaiian Airlines Cancels Flight After Emergency Exit Deployed

Photo credit: Aileen Antoque.

Passengers awaiting a flight leaving Hilo International Airport Friday morning were delayed indefinitely when the rear emergency exit of the plane was deployed as the 717 aircraft was deplaning with its arrival in Hilo.

HA102 landed in Hilo at 5:49 a.m. when the rear exit opened.

According to a Hawaiian Airlines spokesperson, 44 passengers onboard were already exiting from the front of the aircraft when the incident occurred.

As a result of the emergency deployment, HA101 traveling out of Hilo to Honolulu International Airport at 6:21 a.m. was cancelled.

One passenger awaiting the HA101 flight told Big Island Now that the plane appeared as if something had “detached.”

“The tail cone of the 717 aircraft detaches automatically when the door is opened in the armed position,” said Tara Shimooka, Hawaiian Airlines External Communications Specialist.

Following the incident, the tail cone was replaced and maintenance crews are inspecting the aircraft before it returns to service, according to Shimooka.

A total of 111 passengers were anticipated to depart Hilo onboard the flight. The passengers were reportedly re-accommodated on other flights Friday morning.