Pilot Issues Mayday Before Seaplane Emergency Landing in New York City's East River

Eight individuals were successfully rescued on Sunday afternoon after a seaplane executed a hard landing in New York City's East River. The incident, which occurred near the city's sole seaplane terminal, triggered an immediate and extensive emergency response from fire department personnel and other first responders.

Emergency Response and Rescue

Upon arrival, fire crews discovered the seaplane floating upright in the water. Units from the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) promptly extracted all eight occupants from the aircraft. Following the rescue, the seaplane was then towed to a nearby dock, according to department officials.

Two civilians onboard reported minor injuries but chose not to receive medical attention at the scene. No other injuries were immediately reported in connection with the incident.

The aircraft had departed from East Hampton Airport on Long Island and was en route to the Skyport seaplane terminal in Manhattan. The NY Skyport, situated on Manhattan's East Side, serves as New York City's only facility for seaplane operations, handling both scheduled and charter flights to various destinations across the Northeast.

Investigation Underway

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that eight people were on board the aircraft, which is registered under the tail number N726SH. The agency has initiated an investigation into the event, noting that the information released on Sunday is preliminary and subject to revision.

Crucially, air traffic control recordings captured the moments leading up to the landing, including the pilot's declaration of a "mayday" distress call just before the aircraft descended into the river. Separate radio transmissions indicated a New York City Police Department helicopter responding to reports of a "plane down in the water."

Authorities have yet to release the identities of the pilot or the passengers. The precise cause of the hard landing remains under investigation.

Footage from the scene depicted numerous first responders surrounding the aircraft as it remained afloat in the East River during the rescue operations. Subsequent video showed the seaplane being towed back towards the dock once all individuals were safely accounted for. The event mobilized a substantial emergency response to the East River waterfront, with FDNY marine units and various other emergency services converging on the area.