A seaplane made a hard landing in New York City's East River near the NY Skyport terminal on July 5, 2026, prompting a swift emergency response. The New York City Fire Department (FDNY) received a call at 12:01 p.m. reporting the plane in the water near East 23rd Street and FDR Drive in Manhattan.

Fire crews arrived to find the Kodiak 100 seaplane floating upright after a hard landing that snapped a wing strut. FDNY units removed all eight people aboard the aircraft before it was towed back to a nearby dock.

The seaplane had departed from East Hampton Airport on Long Island and was headed to the Skyport seaplane terminal in Manhattan. Two civilians suffered minor injuries but declined medical attention at the scene.

Officials confirmed the rescue of all eight individuals on board, with no serious injuries reported.

Sources