A seaplane made an emergency landing in New York City's East River on Monday afternoon, with all nine people on board safely evacuated, according to officials.
Incident Details
The single-engine Cessna 208 Caravan, operated by Tailwind Air, was en route from the New York area when it experienced engine trouble shortly after takeoff. The pilot reported the issue and executed a controlled landing on the river near 34th Street.
Video footage showed the aircraft floating on the water as emergency responders arrived. The New York Police Department and Fire Department dispatched boats and divers to assist.
Response and Evacuation
All eight passengers and the pilot were rescued without injury, authorities said. The plane was later towed to a nearby dock for inspection.
“The pilot did an incredible job getting everyone down safely,” said a spokesperson for the New York Fire Department. “This could have been a much worse outcome.”
Investigation and Impact
The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the incident. The cause of the engine trouble remains unknown.
River traffic was briefly halted during the rescue operation, but normal service resumed within hours. The incident highlights the risks of urban seaplane operations, which have faced scrutiny in the past.
