A small seaplane carrying 10 people made a hard landing in New York's East River on Sunday, July 5, 2026 [1, 2].
The incident highlights the risks associated with urban water landings and the critical role of rapid emergency response in densely populated areas.
The aircraft, identified as a Kodiak 100, touched down just after noon [2, 4] in the East River between Brooklyn and Manhattan [5]. The landing occurred near the East 23rd Street Skyport [5].
Audio from the cabin captured the pilot shouting, "Mayday, mayday, mayday" during the descent [3]. Footage from inside the cabin showed the moments leading up to the impact as the plane hit the water.
Valerie Castro said, "Two people were injured in the incident" [2]. While some reports indicated no injuries or only minor injuries, other sources confirmed two people were hurt [1, 2, 6].
Officials said the aircraft struck choppy water [1, 5]. The exact cause of the rough landing was not immediately known at the time of the reports.
Rescue boats responded to the scene to assist the 10 people on board [1]. The aircraft remained in the water near the skyport following the impact [5].
“"Mayday, mayday, mayday"”
This incident underscores the volatility of water conditions in New York City's waterways, where tidal currents and urban wakes can create 'choppy' conditions that complicate landings for small aircraft. The discrepancy in injury reports suggests a chaotic initial scene, but the successful evacuation of all 10 occupants indicates that the aircraft's structural integrity held during the impact.
