Fixed-wing aircraft makes emergency landing at Kona airport

The runway at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole was closed for about half an hour on Thursday, April 23, after a general aviation fixed-wing aircraft made an emergency landing shortly before noon.

The aircraft ended up off the south end of the runway, according to the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation. No commercial flights were canceled, but 10 flights were delayed.

The airport’s Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting and state sheriffs responded to the incident. The pilot refused transfer to the hospital.

State officials are unsure at this time if the incident triggers an investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board.