A Hawaiian Airlines flight bound for Maui out of Sacramento International Airport (SMF) experienced a mid-flight mechanical issue that forced it to divert for safety concerns. The long-range Airbus A321neo was over the vast emptiness of the Pacific Ocean at the time and subsequently had no choice but to turn back.

The pilot declared emergency to air traffic control (ATC) when the fault was discovered. Hawaiian Flight 59 landed at Oakland International Airport (OAK) with all 191 souls aboard safely touching back down to solid ground.

Bad Luck Flying Over Lonely Seas

The exact mechanical cause was a failure of the backup air-conditioning unit which is a requirement for the aircraft to beyond a three hours radius from an airfield. The pilot’s quick action enabled the flight

See Full Page