In brief
A seaplane carrying at least eight passengers crashed into the East River near FDR Drive, prompting a swift rescue by New York City fire officials. The aircraft, a Kodiak 100, suffered a hard landing that snapped a wing strut after hitting a wave. Two occupants sustained minor injuries but declined medical attention. The FAA will investigate the incident, noting that air traffic control was not providing services at the time.
New York City fire officials responded to a report of a seaplane incident at roughly 16:00 GMT on Sunday, July 5, 2026, near the marina at East 23rd Street and FDR Drive in Manhattan. The aircraft, a Kodiak 100, was found upright and towed back to a nearby dock.
Eight people were removed from the alarmed seaplane by fire department units. Two of the occupants sustained minor injuries but refused medical treatment. The remaining occupants were cleared from the aircraft and escorted to safety.
The Federal Aviation Administration has announced an investigation into the incident. The FAA stated that the pilot "made a hard landing," causing a wing strut to snap after the seaplane struck a wave. Air traffic control was not providing services to the aircraft at the time of the event, according to the FAA’s public post.
Background – A hard landing occurs when an aircraft's vertical speed and force exceed manufacturer limits, often due to external factors such as unexpected waves or wind gusts. The seaplane was reportedly traveling from the Hamptons to a seaplane base when stowed by rising water, leading to a partial capsizing during approach.
Earlier incidents echo this event; in mid‑June, a small two‑seater seaplane descended after being struck by a large wave while preparing for takeoff. In that case, the FDNY rescued the pilot and passenger onto a nearby boat.
The incident underscores growing concerns around water‑borne aviation safety, especially in densely populated urban waterways. New York Law Enforcement officials and the FAA will monitor for potential safety protocols and regulatory adjustments.
