Seaplane Skips Across the East River Three Times Before Snapping a Wing Strut Near the NY Skyport
NEW YORK, NEW YORK (November 2, 2026) – Two passengers were injured in a seaplane crash on the East River near the NY Skyport in Manhattan.
New York County officials are saying that the accident occurred around 12:01 PM on Sunday, July 5. There were a total of eight people aboard the Kodiak 100 seaplane as it left the East Hampton Airport.
As the plane came in to land, video captured at the scene showed it skipping across the water before tilting sharply to the left. The pilot subsequently made a call and told passengers to grab their flotation devices.
EMS and first responders were called to the scene to help all of the victims. A total of eight people were removed from the water, and two passengers were injured.
One of the victims was a 75-year-old woman who injured her back. GLK Law represents two of the people injured in the seaplane crash.
Liability for East River Seaplane Crashes
Seaplane flights are considered common carriers and have a legal obligation to transport passengers with an abundance of safety. Their pilots must follow all rules in 14 CFR Part 135, along with the general flight rules in Part 91. Under 14 CFR § 91.13, no person is allowed to operate an aircraft in a manner that would be considered careless or reckless so as to endanger others. Operators are also required to brief passengers before takeoff on extended overwater flights. Responsibility for seaplane crashes can extend to several different entities.
- Operators: The certificate holder controls pilot training, flight procedures, and decisions about whether conditions allow a safe landing.
- Pilots: A pilot in command of the aircraft could potentially be responsible for failing to account for wind, water, and other weather conditions that would’ve prevented a safe touchdown.
- Ticket Sellers: Companies that sell seats on seaplanes or other aircraft can be vicariously liable for the negligent conduct of their pilots.
- Manufacturers: Manufacturers can also be liable if a defect with their aircraft creates a foreseeable risk of harm to passengers.
New York’s highest court has explained how liability can be assessed when a carrier’s equipment fails. Consider, for example, Bethel v. New York City Transit Authority (1998). That case involved a passenger who was badly injured after a fold-down bus seat collapsed beneath him. Attorneys for the plaintiff argued that the manufacturer had constructive notice of the danger posed by the bus seat 11 days earlier and should have discovered the defect.
Surviving a Seaplane Accident on the Water
Seaplane accidents create a number of dangers that can extend beyond the impact itself. In particular, there is the obvious risk of drowning if passengers are not able to safely exit the plane or attach themselves to flotation devices. A Transportation Safety Board of Canada study of accidents from 1976 through 1990 found that roughly 70% of fatalities involving seaplanes came from drowning. What follows are a few measures that can be taken to prevent these types of accidents.
- Safety Briefings: Companies that operate seaplanes should ensure that passengers are given a pre-flight safety briefing that includes an explanation about exits or flotation gear.
- Life Vests: Passengers should know where life vests are stored in the event of an emergency.
- Exits: Crew members should identify the nearest exit before any takeoff.
- Seatbelts: Every passenger on one of these seaplanes must be required to wear their seatbelt.
Preventing seaplane accidents requires diligence on the part of many different parties. This includes the companies that manufacture these aircraft. It also includes pilots who are responsible for conducting a pre-flight safety check. If weather conditions do not allow for a safe flight, the trip should be canceled. Any person injured in a seaplane crash is able to seek some measure of accountability through a personal injury claim.
Investigating Seaplane Crashes in Manhattan
We at GLK Law extend our best wishes to the people injured in this seaplane crash. We fully intend to hold all of the negligent parties that contributed to this incident fully accountable. This crash raises serious safety concerns that need to be addressed so that similar crashes do not occur.
Have you or a loved one been injured in a New York airplane crash? You may be entitled to significant financial compensation. Our team of experienced accident attorneys is here for you. We are committed to helping victims understand their rights and holding negligent parties fully accountable for their misconduct. Whether you just have legal questions or are wondering how an attorney might be able to help with your unique situation, we are here for you. You can contact us anytime at (516) 908-9792.
