A Kenmore Air seaplane carrying 10 passengers and a pilot crashed into Shallow Bay near Sucia Island, Washington, on Thursday evening and burst into flames, but all 11 people on board survived. The incident occurred at approximately 5:15 p.m. local time, according to the airline.
Crash Details and Rescue Operation
The aircraft, a de Havilland DHC-3 Otter, was en route from Seattle to Roche Harbor in the San Juan Islands when it went down. The San Juan County Sheriff's Office confirmed that all individuals were rescued from the water. Injuries among the survivors included head trauma, broken bones, and lacerations. One person was reported in critical condition, but no fatalities were recorded.
Three airlift ambulances were dispatched to the scene, and the United States Coast Guard along with local emergency services responded to the incident. Kenmore Air CEO David Gudgel stated that the airline is fully cooperating with investigating authorities and will provide verified information as it becomes available.
Witness Footage Captures the Crash
Onlooker Monica Scott filmed the moments before and during the crash. Her footage showed the plane flying just a few feet above the water's surface, visibly wobbling before striking the water and catching fire. The cause of the accident has not been established, and the airline has declined to speculate on what went wrong.
About Kenmore Air and the Crash Location
Kenmore Air describes itself as the largest seaplane airline in the United States, operating scheduled flights across the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia, as well as a wheeled aircraft service called Kenmore Air Express. Shallow Bay is located at the north-western tip of Sucia Island State Park in Washington state's San Juan Islands, near the Canadian border.
Context of Recent Aviation Incidents
This crash follows a separate incident in which five members of the Indian Air Force lost their lives after an Antonov An-32 military transport aircraft crashed during a routine mission in the northeastern state of Assam. The circumstances surrounding that crash have not yet been established.
