Matthew has been the digital content manager for KITV4 since September 2021. Matthew is a prolific writer, editor, and self-described "newsie" who's worked in television markets in Oklahoma, California, and Hawaii.
KAHULUI, Hawaii (Island News) -- The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating how a Hawaiian Airlines plane hit a “tug” vehicle while it was pushing back from a gate at Kahului Airport on Thursday.
A tug is the vehicle that helps to push and pull the aircraft.
A Hawaiian Airlines ramp employee was hurt in the collision but has since been released from the hospital. The Boeing 717 was originally headed to Honolulu.
A spokesperson with Hawaiian Airlines gave the following statement to Island News:
"At approximately 6:30 a.m., one of our Kahului Airport ramp employees was injured in an incident involving a 717 aircraft and a ground vehicle after flight HA105 pushed back from the gate. Our employee was transported by ambulance to a hospital and has since been released. We thank airport first responders and medical personnel for their immediate assistance. An investigation is ongoing. No impact to our other flights."
The FAA issued the following statement about this incident:
“Hawaiian Airlines Flight 105 struck a tug while pushing back from the gate at Kahului Airport in Hawaii around 6 a.m. local time Thursday, Nov. 30. The passengers deplaned using stairs and walked back to the terminal. The Boeing 717 was headed to Honolulu. The FAA will investigate.”
Matthew has been the digital content manager for KITV4 since September 2021. Matthew is a prolific writer, editor, and self-described "newsie" who's worked in television markets in Oklahoma, California, and Hawaii.