Washington Seaplane Crash Injures Multiple After Emergency Landing Near Sucia Island
By: Albert Michael - Friday, 24 July 2026 11:51:52 • 4 min read
WASHINGTON, July 24, 2026 — A Kenmore Air seaplane carrying 11 people crashed off the coast of Washington state on Thursday evening, leaving multiple passengers injured, including one person in critical condition, as federal investigators launched an inquiry into the cause of the accident.
The aircraft, identified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as a DeHavilland DHC-3 seaplane, went down near Sucia Island at approximately 5:20 p.m. local time. Authorities confirmed that all passengers and the pilot were successfully rescued from the water following a swift multi-agency emergency response.
All Occupants Rescued After Plane Catches Fire
The San Juan County Sheriff's Office said rescue teams recovered everyone aboard the aircraft shortly after the crash.
Emergency officials reported several injuries ranging from broken bones and head trauma to cuts and other non-life-threatening wounds. One individual remained in critical condition after being transported for emergency medical treatment.
According to Kenmore Air, the flight departed from Lake Union in Seattle with 10 passengers and one pilot. Four injured passengers were transported to regional hospitals, while the remaining occupants were taken to the U.S. Coast Guard station in Bellingham for evaluation and assistance.
Witnesses and Emergency Responders Acted Quickly
San Juan County Sheriff Eric Peter said at least one nearby civilian vessel witnessed the aircraft descend into the water and immediately began rescuing passengers before emergency crews reached the scene.
By the time first responders arrived, the aircraft had caught fire and was beginning to sink.
"Swift actions from everyone prevented this from becoming an even greater tragedy," Sheriff Peter said.
The rescue effort expanded rapidly as the U.S. Coast Guard, local marine units, emergency medical personnel, and the U.S. Navy joined the operation. Some survivors were airlifted from the crash site by military aircraft due to the remote island location.
The Coast Guard said it initially received reports that the Kenmore Air seaplane had made an emergency landing in North Beach Shallow Bay before flames engulfed the aircraft.
Kenmore Air Focuses on Passenger Care
Kenmore Air CEO David Gudgel confirmed that every person aboard had been accounted for.
"We are grateful that everyone aboard has been accounted for, and our immediate focus is ensuring our passengers and pilot receive the care and support they need," Gudgel said in a statement.
"We extend our sincere thanks to the United States Coast Guard, local emergency responders, and everyone assisting in the response. Kenmore Air is fully cooperating with the investigating authorities, and we will continue providing verified information as it becomes available."
The airline did not immediately release additional details regarding weather conditions, the aircraft's mechanical status, or the experience level of the flight crew.
FAA and NTSB Launch Investigation
The FAA confirmed it is investigating the accident alongside the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which will lead the formal investigation into the cause of the crash.
Investigators are expected to examine several factors, including weather conditions, pilot communications, aircraft maintenance records, and witness accounts to determine what caused the seaplane to make an emergency landing before catching fire.
No preliminary findings have been released, and authorities cautioned against speculation while evidence is being collected.
Editor’s Analysis
Editor's Opinion: While the exact cause remains unknown, the outcome could have been significantly more severe had nearby boaters and emergency responders not reacted within minutes. The successful rescue of all 11 occupants highlights the importance of coordinated maritime emergency response systems in the Pacific Northwest, where seaplane operations are a routine part of regional transportation.
The investigation will likely focus on whether the emergency landing resulted from a mechanical malfunction, environmental conditions, or another operational issue. Until investigators publish preliminary findings, any conclusions regarding the cause would be premature.
The incident also serves as a reminder that although seaplanes remain a safe and widely used mode of transport in coastal Washington and Alaska, emergency preparedness and rapid rescue capabilities remain critical whenever flights operate over open water.
What Happens Next?
- The NTSB will secure evidence from the crash site.
- Investigators will interview the pilot, passengers, and eyewitnesses.
- Maintenance and operational records will be reviewed.
- A preliminary investigation report is expected in the coming weeks.
- A final report identifying the probable cause may take several months.
Key Facts
| Aircraft | DeHavilland DHC-3 Seaplane |
| Operator | Kenmore Air |
| Location | Near Sucia Island, Washington |
| Departure | Lake Union, Seattle |
| People On Board | 11 (10 passengers, 1 pilot) |
| Fatalities | None Reported |
| Critical Injuries | 1 |
| Investigation | FAA and NTSB |
