Emergency responders rescued eight people after a seaplane made a hard landing in New York City’s East River on Sunday, prompting a rapid response from fire and rescue crews. Authorities said all eight occupants were safely removed from the aircraft, with only two people suffering minor injuries that did not require hospital treatment.
The incident occurred near Manhattan’s waterfront and is now under investigation by federal aviation authorities to determine what caused the aircraft to make the emergency landing.
Emergency Response Launched After Aircraft Reported Down
According to the New York City Fire Department (FDNY), emergency crews were dispatched shortly after midday local time (approximately 12:00 p.m. EDT / 16:00 GMT) following reports of an aircraft in the water.
The seaplane came down near the marina located at East 23rd Street and FDR Drive along Manhattan’s East River.
Firefighters, marine rescue units, and other emergency personnel quickly responded to the scene to assist those aboard the aircraft and secure the area.
Eight Occupants Safely Rescued
Authorities confirmed that all eight people aboard the aircraft were safely evacuated by FDNY rescue teams.
Officials said the aircraft remained upright in the water following the landing, allowing rescuers to remove passengers without major complications.
After everyone was safely evacuated, the seaplane was towed back to a nearby dock.
Emergency medical personnel evaluated those on board. Two occupants sustained minor injuries but declined transportation to a hospital after receiving medical assessment at the scene.
No life-threatening injuries were reported.
FAA Says Hard Landing Caused Structural Damage
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into the incident.
According to preliminary information released by the FAA, the aircraft’s pilot made what is classified as a hard landing, causing one of the seaplane’s wing struts to break.
A hard landing occurs when an aircraft touches down with greater force than intended, potentially resulting in structural damage that exceeds the manufacturer’s operational limits.
The damaged wing support is believed to have contributed to the aircraft coming to rest in the river.
Air Traffic Control Was Not Guiding Flight
Federal officials also stated that air traffic control was not providing services to the aircraft at the time of the incident.
This is common for certain visual flight operations involving seaplanes, depending on the flight path and operating conditions.
Investigators will review flight data, pilot communications, maintenance records, weather conditions, and witness statements as part of the investigation.
Aircraft Was Reportedly Arriving From the Hamptons
According to reports, the aircraft was a Kodiak 100 seaplane traveling from the Hamptons, a popular coastal destination on Long Island known for its seasonal visitors.
The plane was reportedly approaching a Manhattan seaplane base when it encountered difficulties during landing.
Preliminary reports indicate the aircraft struck a wave while touching down on the river, which may have contributed to the hard landing and partial loss of control before it came to rest in the water.
Officials have not yet confirmed the exact sequence of events, and investigators continue to examine the circumstances.
Second East River Seaplane Incident in Weeks
The latest accident marks the second seaplane incident on the East River within a matter of weeks.
In mid-June, another small seaplane was damaged after encountering a large wave while attempting to take off from the river near Queens.
During that earlier incident, emergency crews rescued the pilot and a passenger after the aircraft entered the water. Both survived without serious injuries.
The two incidents have renewed attention on seaplane operations along New York City’s waterways, although investigators have not indicated whether the events are related.
Federal Investigation Underway
The FAA will continue leading the investigation to determine what factors contributed to Sunday’s hard landing.
Investigators are expected to inspect the aircraft, evaluate weather and river conditions, interview the pilot and passengers, and analyze any available operational data before issuing their findings.
For now, authorities say the successful rescue of all eight occupants prevented what could have become a far more serious aviation accident in one of the nation’s busiest urban waterways.
