A seaplane carrying eight people made a hard landing in New York City's East River on Saturday, prompting a swift rescue operation by the New York City Fire Department (FDNY). The Kodiak 100 single-engine turboprop aircraft experienced a rough touchdown on the choppy water, drawing the attention of thousands of onlookers.
FDNY units responded quickly, safely removing all eight civilians from the plane, which remained upright in the water before being towed to a dock. Two individuals were evaluated by emergency medical services for minor injuries.
The aircraft had departed from East Hampton Town, Long Island, at 10:38 a.m. Blade Air, the company operating the flight, suggested that choppy water conditions caused by passing boats and a recent thunderstorm likely contributed to the hard landing. A source from the company indicated that the waves could have posed a challenge during the water landing.
The impact reportedly cracked one of the plane's struts, which connect the pontoons to the fuselage, also causing damage to a pontoon. The flight was operated by Acadian Seaplanes on behalf of Blade. The plane, registered to Del Air Sky with tail number N555NL, was manufactured in 2022.
Witnesses on shore filmed the seaplane's descent and partial capsizing as rescue boats converged on the scene. After all occupants were safely ashore, the plane was righted and towed to a dock near 23rd Street. Passengers reportedly retrieved their belongings shortly after being brought to shore and were provided transportation to their destinations.
Among the passengers were 16-year-old Khloe Todd and her 75-year-old grandmother, Ada Todd, who were traveling from the Hamptons after celebrating a friend's birthday. The incident will be investigated by the NYPD and the Federal Aviation Administration.
East Hampton, a popular summer destination for celebrities, has seen increased activity recently due to the Fourth of July weekend and other high-profile events.