Seaplane Slams Water—Miracle Escape In NYC

Pilot's hand operating the throttle in an aircraft cockpit

A seaplane carrying up to 10 people crashed into New York City’s East River on Sunday, and every single person on board was pulled out alive.

Story Snapshot

A seaplane went down in the East River near Throgs Neck Bridge in Queens, prompting a major emergency response just before 9:30 a.m.
All occupants were rescued with no injuries reported; the New York City Fire Department pulled the pilot and passenger onto a rescue boat.
The pilot was identified as Joe Oppedisano, a Queens restaurant owner who survived a serious plane crash near the same location back in 2020.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation; reports suggest a large wave may have struck the plane during landing.

Seaplane Goes Down Near Throgs Neck Bridge

New York City firefighters launched a major water rescue just before 9:30 a.m. Sunday after a seaplane went down in the East River near Throgs Neck Bridge and Whitestone, Queens. The New York City Fire Department and the city’s Office of Emergency Management both responded to the scene. Eyewitness Elijah Westbrook said he watched a small boat pull two people from the water under clear skies.

Firefighters brought the pilot and one passenger aboard a Fire Department boat. No injuries were reported. After the rescue, crews towed the plane out of the river and brought it to Whitestone, close to where it went down. The quick response and calm conditions likely helped everyone get out safely.

Pilot Has Survived This Before

The pilot was identified as Joe Oppedisano, a Queens restaurant owner and entrepreneur. This was not his first close call near Throgs Neck Bridge — Oppedisano was seriously injured in a plane crash near the same spot back in 2020. Reports indicate a large wave may have struck the seaplane during landing, though the exact cause has not been confirmed. Investigators have not yet released any preliminary findings.

The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board have not issued statements on the cause. Until those agencies release findings, the full picture remains incomplete. What is confirmed: both people on board got out alive, and first responders performed their jobs well.

Seaplane Crashes Are More Dangerous Than They Look

Sunday’s outcome was fortunate. Seaplane water landings carry serious risks that do not always end this well. Between 2008 and 2022, there were 406 seaplane accidents in the United States, and 77 of them were fatal. Research shows that in accidents where a seaplane ends up fully in the water, drowning — not the impact itself — is the leading cause of death.

🚨 #BREAKING : A seaplane carrying 8-10 people made a hard landing in New York City’s East River on Sunday afternoon. The Kodiak 100 aircraft partially submerged near Manhattan, but all occupants were quickly rescued by NYPD and FDNY teams. Reports indicate 1-2 minor injuries;… pic.twitter.com/RvyKbB2FDV

— Thepagetoday (@thepagetody) July 5, 2026

Studies of seaplane accidents going back decades show that pilot technique and judgment play a role in roughly 72% of cases. Rough water and improper landing procedures rank among the top contributing factors. That context matters here. Investigators will look closely at wave conditions on the East River that morning and how the landing was handled. For now, the story has a good ending — but it serves as a reminder that these aircraft demand respect and skill every single time they touch the water.