A routine sightseeing and transport flight ended in a frightening emergency on Sunday, July 5, when a small seaplane carrying eight people crashed into New York City’s East River after making what officials described as a “hard landing.”
The single-engine Kodiak 100 seaplane went down shortly before noon near the Skyport Seaplane Base on East 23rd Street along the Franklin D. Roosevelt East River Drive in Manhattan. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the impact with the water was severe enough to snap one of the aircraft’s wing struts.
Emergency crews from the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) responded within minutes, rescuing all eight people from the aircraft. Remarkably, there were no fatalities. Two passengers sustained only minor injuries and declined medical treatment at the scene.
The aircraft remained upright after entering the water, allowing rescue teams to safely evacuate everyone onboard before the seaplane was towed back to the dock.
Reports indicate the flight had departed from East Hampton Town on Long Island before heading toward Manhattan. Among those onboard were 16-year-old Khloe Todd and her 75-year-old grandmother, Ada Todd, who had reportedly been visiting the Hamptons to celebrate a friend’s birthday.
Images from the scene showed the damaged seaplane partially submerged and leaning to one side as FDNY rescue boats secured the aircraft in the East River.
According to FAA records, the Kodiak 100 seaplane was manufactured in 2025, making it a relatively new aircraft. The registered owner’s identity has not been made public.
Investigators from the FAA have launched an investigation to determine what caused the hard landing and why the aircraft impacted the river with enough force to damage its structure. Officials will examine weather conditions, the aircraft’s mechanical systems, pilot actions, and flight data as part of the investigation.
The incident serves as another reminder that even short regional flights and seaplane operations can quickly become emergencies, making rapid response from first responders crucial in preventing a far more serious outcome.
Thankfully, this event ended with all eight occupants surviving—a fortunate conclusion to what could have been a tragic accident over one of New York City’s busiest waterways.
