The U.S. Navy has unveiled its plan to use inflatable cylinders in a groundbreaking salvage operation to lift and roll a jet plane off a coral reef in Hawaii. The aircraft, a P-8A, crashed into Kaneohe Bay on November 20 when it overshot the runway at Marine Corps Base Hawaii. Fortunately, none of the nine people on board were injured. Rear Adm. Kevin Lenox, the commander of Carrier Strike Group 3, who is leading the salvage effort, expressed confidence that the operation can be successfully executed without causing further damage to the reef.
Underwater video footage released by the Navy on Wednesday revealed the landing gear wheels resting on crushed coral, with the remaining part of the plane floating above the reef. Prior to the salvage operation, a Navy team has already removed almost all of the estimated 2,000 gallons (7,500 liters) of fuel from the aircraft. The removal operation is set to begin on Saturday, although the exact timeline remains uncertain due to weather and other conditions.
Contractors have started placing inflatable bags under the plane to allow it to float across the water and onto land. Once on land, machines will pull and roll the plane across the runway. Lenox emphasized that the inflatable bags, when inflated, will distribute the force of the plane across their entire area, resulting in minimal pressure on the ground. He assured that any contact with the coral will be limited, with no significant impact on the ecosystem. Nonetheless, Hawaii state officials will inspect the reef for any damage after the plane is removed.
Kaneohe Bay boasts rich marine life, including coral reefs, sharks, octopus, and various fish species. The area is also home to an ancient Hawaiian fishpond, which is currently undergoing restoration efforts by community groups. The successful removal of a 1,000-ton barge from a sensitive seagrass habitat in the Outer Banks of North Carolina after Hurricane Florence in 2015 serves as a precedent for this salvage operation. The relatively lighter weight of the plane, approximately 60 tons, makes the inflatable cylinder method a safer and more practical option.
The Navy remains optimistic about the future of the aircraft, stating that it is in good condition and could potentially return to service. The P-8A, a military adaptation of the Boeing 737 jet, is primarily used for submarine detection, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. Patrol Squadron 4, based in Whidbey Island, Washington, operates the plane. Another crew from Whidbey Island has been deployed to Hawaii to take over patrol missions in the region.
This innovative salvage operation not only highlights the Navy’s commitment to preserving the environment but also showcases their dedication to maintaining operational readiness. The successful retrieval of the jet plane from the coral reef will stand as a testament to the Navy’s expertise and resourcefulness in handling such challenging situations.
