Washington, July 25 - A Kenmore Air seaplane crash near Sucia Island in the San Juan Islands of Washington state on July 23, 2026, involved Flight 140, a de Havilland DHC-3 Otter aircraft that departed Seattle’s Lake Union around 4:30 p.m. bound for Roche Harbor. The single-engine floatplane carrying ten passengers and one pilot made an emergency landing in Shallow Bay near Sucia Island approximately 45 minutes later. The aircraft struck the water, came to rest against rocks, and subsequently caught fire after all occupants had exited safely.
All eleven people aboard survived the seaplane accident Washington authorities responded to with a rapid multi-agency effort. Rescuers from the U.S. Coast Guard, local fire and rescue teams, and nearby boaters accounted for every passenger and the pilot. Injuries included head trauma, broken bones, and lacerations, with one individual reported in critical condition. Several passengers required hospital transport to facilities in Bellingham and other nearby locations while others received evaluation at a Coast Guard base.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) immediately opened an investigation into the Kenmore Air seaplane crash and the circumstances surrounding the emergency landing. Kenmore Air, the largest seaplane airline in the United States, fully cooperated with officials and canceled all scheduled flights the following day to focus resources on supporting those affected by the San Juan Islands plane crash.
Aviation safety experts note that the DHC-3 Otter has a long history of reliable service in regional floatplane operations, yet this incident underscores ongoing attention to emergency procedures and aircraft performance during water landings. Officials continue examining flight data, weather conditions, and mechanical factors to determine the precise cause of the Washington seaplane emergency landing while recovery and support efforts proceed for the survivors of Flight 140.
