A seaplane carrying 10 people crash-landed in New York City's East River on Sunday, prompting a swift rescue response. The New York City Fire Department reported that the aircraft made a 'hard landing' at approximately midday local time on July 5, 2026. Despite the dramatic incident, city authorities confirmed there were no apparent injuries.
Details of the Incident
The privately-owned Quest Kodiak 100 aircraft, which had taken off from The Hamptons on Long Island, landed upright on the water. The fire department stated that the plane was being towed back to dock. Images shared on social media showed the white plane leaning to one side with the tip of its left wing submerged in the river, while a helicopter circled overhead.
Video footage captured emergency services vessels approaching the aircraft, with rescuers assisting passengers in exiting the seaplane. The New York Post reported that the river was choppy at the time of landing, causing the plane to take on water.
Witness Accounts
A social media user who claimed to have witnessed the landing wrote on X: 'Can see it from my window. Brutal.' Another shocked onlooker posted: 'I just watched a plane crash into the East River.' A third commented: 'Holy s***, there's a plane in the East River.'
Response and Outcome
The New York City Fire Department quickly scrambled rescue teams to the scene. The aircraft managed to remain upright, facilitating the evacuation. All 10 people aboard were safely brought to shore without injury. The cause of the hard landing is under investigation.
