A small seaplane carrying eight passengers crashed into New York City’s East River on Sunday, injuring two people onboard during what officials described as a hard landing.
How the crash unfolded
The aircraft went down around noon near the Skyport seaplane terminal on East 23rd Street and Franklin D. Roosevelt East River Drive, according to the New York City Fire Department. The single engine plane, identified by the Federal Aviation Administration as a Kodiak 100 seaplane, had departed from East Hampton on Long Island before the crash occurred.
Several key details have emerged about the incident so far.
- The crash caused a wing strut on the aircraft to snap, according to the FAA.
- FDNY responders removed all eight people from the plane following the crash.
- Two passengers suffered minor injuries but refused medical attention at the scene.
- The aircraft landed upright in the water and is currently being towed back to the dock.
passengers identified among those onboard
Two of the passengers have been identified as 16 year old Khloe Todd and her 75 year old grandmother, Ada Todd. The pair had been in the Hamptons celebrating a birthday for one of Ada’s friends before boarding the flight back toward the city.
Video shows aircraft leaning in the water
Footage captured in the aftermath of the crash shows the plane resting in the East River, tilted to one side, with an FDNY boat positioned nearby as emergency crews worked at the scene. The dramatic images quickly circulated online following the incident.
Investigation into the aircraft’s history
According to FAA ownership records, the seaplane was manufactured in 2025. The aircraft’s owner has not been publicly listed. The FAA has confirmed it will investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, though no additional details about a possible cause have been released.
Seaplane traffic remains common along the east coast
Seaplane service between Manhattan and destinations like the Hamptons has become a popular, if pricier, alternative to driving or taking a train, particularly during peak summer travel periods. The Skyport terminal, located along the East River, serves as one of the primary hubs for that type of regional air travel in New York City.
The FAA’s investigation is expected to determine what caused the hard landing and whether mechanical issues, weather conditions or pilot error played a role. New York City police have not yet issued a statement addressing the crash, and further updates are expected as authorities continue examining the aircraft and gathering information from those onboard.
This story was originally reported by PEOPLE.