The pilot of a private jet apparently forgot to engage the parking brakes and during heavy winds Saturday night. The aircraft was moved right up to the edge of the runway, just a few feet away from tumbling into the ocean.
Airport Manager Tavita Fuimaono told KHJ News that the aircraft arrived from Nadi, Fiji on Saturday evening on a rest and refueling stop before continuing on to its next destination.
He said the pilot did not put the parking brakes on and the heavy winds moved the aircraft right up to the edge of the runway.
“Lucky the nose of the plane got stuck in the pala or wetland part of the airport which stopped the aircraft from slipping in to the sea,” said Fuimaono, “but it was close.”
Travelers arriving yesterday morning from Samoa saw the aircraft with its nose in the ground.
Yesterday afternoon the private jet was successfully pulled from its temporary resting place.
The airport manger wasn’t aware of any damage to the plane which is scheduled to fly out tomorrow.
Efforts to obtain comment from agents for the aircraft were unsuccessful.
