Small Plane Carrying 8 People from the Hamptons Crashes into N.Y.C.’s East River

A small seaplane crashed into New York City’s East River on Sunday, July 5, leaving two passengers with minor injuries. The incident occurred around midday, prompting a swift response from the New York City Fire Department (FDNY), which confirmed the details of the crash.

The seaplane, carrying a total of eight individuals, made what officials described as a “hard landing” near the Skyport seaplane terminal, located at East 23rd Street and Franklin D. Roosevelt East River Drive. The single-engine aircraft, classified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as a Kodiak 100, experienced a structural failure during the landing with a wing strut reported to have snapped upon impact with the water.

FDNY crews promptly arrived on the scene to assist in the rescue effort, safely removing all eight passengers from the plane. Only two people, identified as being part of the same group, sustained minor injuries. Remarkably, both individuals declined medical assistance, as confirmed by an FDNY spokesperson.

According to reports from The Daily Mail, the ill-fated flight had taken off from East Hampton Town on Long Island, where many passengers had gathered to celebrate a friend’s birthday. Among those on board were 16-year-old Khloe Todd and her grandmother, 75-year-old Ada Todd, who were returning from the festivities in the Hamptons.

Footage captured by NBC 4 New York showed the seaplane leaning to one side in the water, close to an FDNY rescue boat. Fortunately, the aircraft managed to float upright following the landing, and crews are currently in the process of towing it back to the dock for further examination.

Records from the FAA indicate that the Kodiak 100 seaplane was manufactured in 2025. However, the identity of its owner has not been disclosed at this time. The potential for a comprehensive investigation into the crash has been confirmed by the FAA, who will be looking into the circumstances surrounding this incident.

Local authorities, including the New York City Police Department (NYPD), have been contacted for further comments regarding the accident. The event highlights both the risks associated with air travel, particularly in urban areas, and the challenges that can arise during seaplane operations.

Reports of the incident have raised concerns about the safety of seaplane travel in New York City, sparking discussions among aviation experts and the public. As the investigation unfolds, officials aim to determine the causes that led to the crash and whether any safety measures need to be introduced to prevent future occurrences.

For now, passengers and witnesses continue to reflect on their unexpected ordeal. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of flying, even on seemingly routine journeys.