Update: Engine problems force pilot of small plane to make emergency landing north of Kona airport

This story was updated at 11:08 a.m. with information released by the Hawai‘i Fire Department.

A Cessna 182G crash-landed on the Kekaha Kai State Park Access Road, about a mile north of Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole after having engine problems.

According to Hawai‘i Fire Department, crews were dispatched to the scene after a MayDay call came into the airport communications tower.

“Shortly after that, all communications were lost with the aircraft due to it losing power,” fire officials stated in a press release this morning.

The plane went down at 7:01 a.m. The sole occupant and pilot of the aircraft suffered minor injuries, said Hawai‘i Fire Department Chief Kazuo Todd.

The airport’s Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting unit also responded and ultimately transported the pilot to Kona Community Hospital.

The Federal Aviation Administration was notified and is investigating the incident.

Kekaha Kai State Park Road will remain closed for most, if not all, of the day until the aircraft can be removed.

It is unknown what caused the engine problems at this time.

This is a developing story. More information will be provided as it becomes available.