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US Navy P-8A Poseidon in Hawaii’s Kaneohe Bay
According to US Marine Corps (USMC) officials a US Navy P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol airplane is in Hawaii’s Kaneohe Bay after attempting to land on a Marine Corps runway in the afternoon of Nov. 20, 2023.
The Poseidon was on approach to land on the runway at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay on the island of Oahu.
“The aircraft was landing and overshot” the runway, said 1st Lt. Hailey Harms, a Marine Corps Base Hawaii spokesperson, told USNI News.
No immediate injuries reported
The aircraft landed at 1:59 p.m. local Hawaii time and ended up in shallow water just off the coast. The air station’s main runway runs in a northeast-to-southwest direction.
Nine people were aboard the aircraft at the time but no immediate injuries were reported.
“They are still being medically assessed,” Harms said.
She added that base emergency services quickly responded to the scene, including federal firefighters, military police, air traffic control, fire rescue and waterfront operations.
Local KITV Channel 4 reported that the Honolulu Fire Department sent out the initial alert just after 2 p.m. for a “probable aircraft fire incident.”
P-8A Poseidon surrounded by water 50 yards offshore
It’s unclear yet what the next step will be in recovering the aircraft and which agencies will be involved in investigating the incident.
“That’s still being assessed, as well,” Harms said.
As pictures posted on Hawaii News Now show, the P-8A is surrounded by water some 50 yards offshore. The bay’s depth in that area ranges from 5 to 25 feet, according to nautical charts. Sand, mud and coral cover much of the bottom of the picturesque bay.
The P-8A Poseidon
The P-8A Poseidon is the US Navy’s multi-mission maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft. The aircraft conducts anti-submarine warfare; anti-surface warfare; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), and humanitarian response. These capabilities are enhanced through secure, interoperable, net-ready systems. The aircraft is equipped with high-quality weapon systems and has an open architecture to allow for expansion.
The Poseidon incorporates the 737-800 airframe, -900 wings, a weapons bay and pylons.
Securing US Navy’s future in long-range maritime patrol capability
Designed to secure the US Navy’s future in long-range maritime patrol capability, the P-8A Poseidon has transformed how the Navy’s maritime patrol and reconnaissance force will man, train, operate and deploy. The aircraft is built using an affordable and efficient in-line commercial assembly process with necessary military modifications added after final assembly. The P-8A offers commonality with the commercial 737 fleet and other military platforms that use the 737 airframe. Commonality in spares and training for crews reduces cost, and enables military operators to leverage support throughout the world.
Photo credit: KITV
