Seaplane Archives - Aviation Today

Bimini, The Bahamas: A Tropic Ocean Airways seaplane carrying eight American passengers and two crew members crashed into the water while preparing for departure from North Bimini, Bahamas, on August 1, with all 10 occupants rescued safely in an incident that is now under investigation by Bahamian authorities. According to the Royal Bahamas Police Force, the Cessna 208B Grand Caravan seaplane was departing from North Bimini for Fort Lauderdale, Florida, when the accident occurred shortly before takeoff. Police said the aircraft was taxiing on the water and attempting to line up for departure when it reportedly veered uncontrollably to the left. The pilot is said to have taken evasive action to avoid heavy boat traffic in the area, but the aircraft struck a dock before overturning and sinking in waters estimated to be about 100 feet (30 metres) deep. The aircraft was operated by Tropic Ocean Airways, a Florida-based seaplane carrier that provides scheduled and charter flights between South Florida, the Bahamas and other Caribbean destinations. The airline confirmed the aircraft was involved in an accident and said it is cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation. All eight passengers, identified only as American tourists, along with the two crew members, escaped the aircraft and were rescued safely. Nick Pavlakis, general manager of Marine Max in Jupiter and a rescue boat operator, witnessed the crash and quickly took action to help the eight passengers and two crew members on board. Authorities have not released the identities of the passengers or crew, and no injuries have been officially reported. The rescue began almost immediately as nearby boaters, marina personnel and bystanders rushed to assist those aboard. Witnesses helped evacuate the occupants from the overturned aircraft before emergency responders arrived at the scene. The Royal Bahamas Police Force later confirmed that everyone on board had been accounted for and rescued. Passenger Jeanne O'Brien, who was among those on board, told ABC News that the aircraft "went down pretty fast" after striking the dock. She said the passengers worked together to exit the cabin after the impact. Video recorded following the accident showed occupants in the water wearing life jackets as nearby vessels converged to assist. ABC News reported that the rescue was completed within minutes. Authorities have not determined the cause of the accident. Investigators are expected to examine the aircraft, pilot actions, operating conditions and other factors to establish why the seaplane lost directional control while taxiing for departure. No mechanical failure has been confirmed, and officials have not indicated whether weather or water conditions contributed to the accident. The Royal Bahamas Police Force is leading the initial investigation, while additional aviation authorities are expected to review the occurrence in accordance with international accident investigation procedures. Tropic Ocean Airways said it is providing full assistance to investigators and remains focused on supporting those affected. The accident resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft, which came to rest submerged after overturning. Recovery operations are expected to support the investigation into the sequence of events leading up to the crash. Further updates are expected once Bahamian investigators release additional findings or a preliminary accident report.

10 Rescued After Tropic Ocean Seaplane Crashes During Takeoff Near Bimini

Aviation Today News Desk / August 4, 2026

Bimini, The Bahamas: A Tropic Ocean Airways seaplane carrying eight American passengers and two crew members crashed into the water […]

New York, United States: A Kodiak 100 amphibious seaplane made a hard landing in New York City's East River on Sunday, July 5, leaving two people with minor injuries but resulting in the safe rescue of all eight occupants after a rapid emergency response near Manhattan's Skyport Seaplane Base. The incident occurred at approximately 12:00 p.m. EDT as the single-engine aircraft was approaching the New York Skyport Seaplane Base near East 23rd Street and FDR Drive on Manhattan's East Side. According to the New York City Fire Department (FDNY), the aircraft touched down hard in the river, remained upright, but came to rest leaning to one side with its left wing partially submerged. The aircraft had departed East Hampton on Long Island and was operating a scheduled seaplane service to Manhattan. Reports indicate the flight was operated by Acadian Seaplanes under Blade Air Mobility's booking platform. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) identified the aircraft as a Kodiak 100 seaplane, manufactured in 2025. Public FAA records currently do not list the aircraft owner's identity, although ownership information has not been released publicly at this stage. Authorities confirmed there were eight people on board the aircraft. Earlier reports indicating ten occupants were later corrected by the FDNY after officials verified the final passenger count. Emergency crews from the FDNY, NYPD Harbor Unit, and other first responders quickly reached the aircraft. Nearby civilian boaters also assisted before emergency vessels arrived. All eight occupants were successfully rescued from the aircraft. Two occupants sustained minor injuries. FDNY officials said the injuries were non-life-threatening. Some reports indicated the injured passengers declined further medical treatment, while others said they were evaluated by emergency medical personnel. Following the rescue, responders stabilized the aircraft, righted it on the water and towed it back to the dock. Video recorded inside the cabin captured the moment the aircraft struck the choppy water during landing. Passengers can be heard reacting as the aircraft bounced violently before coming to rest. Among those on board were 16-year-old Khloe Todd and her 75-year-old grandmother, Ada Todd, who were returning from East Hampton after attending a family birthday celebration. Khloe Todd told media that the impact was sudden and violent, with the aircraft rocking repeatedly after touchdown. She said the pilots instructed passengers to remain calm and keep their life jackets nearby while waiting for rescue. Ada Todd suffered bruising and pain following the hard landing but survived the accident. Recreational boater Dan Thys and his wife were among the first civilians to reach the aircraft after witnessing the accident. Thys said the East River was experiencing rough conditions and that his vessel responded immediately before police boats arrived to take over the rescue operation. Video from the scene showed multiple FDNY and NYPD rescue boats surrounding the partially submerged aircraft while a helicopter monitored the response overhead. According to passenger accounts and eyewitnesses, the aircraft encountered rough, choppy water during its landing approach. Reports suggested storm-driven waves and boat traffic may have created difficult landing conditions, although investigators have not determined whether weather or water conditions played a role. The FAA said one of the aircraft's wing struts snapped during the hard landing. The Federal Aviation Administration has opened an investigation into the incident. As of the latest official update, authorities have not identified the cause of the hard landing. Investigators are expected to examine the aircraft, weather conditions, water state, pilot actions and other operational factors before determining what led to the accident.

Incidents

Eight Rescued After Kodiak 100 Seaplane Crash Lands In New York’s East River; 2 Injured

Aviation Today News Desk / July 6, 2026

New York, United States: A Kodiak 100 amphibious seaplane made a hard landing in New York City’s East River on

Gurugram, India: India is preparing to enter a new phase of regional aviation connectivity with the launch of its first dedicated commercial seaplane operations, following regulatory clearance granted to SkyHop Aviation by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The Gurugram-based startup has secured an Air Operator Certificate (AOC), formally authorising it to begin commercial seaplane services, making it the country’s first dedicated operator in this segment. SkyHop Aviation is expected to commence operations in the coming months of 2026, with Lakshadweep identified as the first operational region. The initial phase will focus on, connecting five islands within Lakshadweep and linking these islands to the Indian mainland, likely via Kochi The project forms part of a broader push to enhance last-mile connectivity in regions where traditional airport infrastructure is limited or unviable. Operations will begin using 19-seater amphibious aircraft, primarily the De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter, a globally proven platform for short take-off and water landings. The airline has also reportedly leased multiple Twin Otter aircraft for initial deployment on island and coastal routes. The AOC approval follows a series of successful test operations conducted in April 2026, which validated the feasibility of seaplane operations in Indian conditions. Key trials include: April 6, 2026 – Ganga Barrage, Rishikesh: Successful water take-off and landing demonstration Marked India’s first major operational test of a commercial seaplane platform Tehri Lake, Uttarakhand: Additional validation of water-based operations in inland conditions These trials were critical in securing DGCA certification and proving operational readiness for commercial deployment. SkyHop Aviation is positioning itself as a regional connectivity enabler, targeting underserved and remote geographies. Its initial operational model includes, short-haul inter-island routes, mainland-to-island connectivity and future expansion to coastal, riverine and remote inland destinations The airline is also evaluating opportunities beyond Lakshadweep, including other high-potential regions where travel remains time-consuming due to geographic constraints. The seaplane initiative aligns with the Government of India’s renewed focus on alternative aviation infrastructure: Budget 2026 announced incentives for domestic seaplane manufacturing A viability gap funding scheme is proposed to support operations The plan complements the regional connectivity scheme (UDAN) SkyHop Aviation is led by Avani Singh, daughter of SpiceJet promoter Ajay Singh, bringing established aviation experience into the venture. The launch is expected to, reduce travel time between islands from hours (by sea) to under an hour by air, unlock connectivity to regions where airport construction is difficult, boost tourism in Lakshadweep and similar destinations

Seaplane

India Set To Launch First Commercial Seaplane Airline As SkyHop Secures DGCA Clearance

Aviation Today News Desk / April 28, 2026

Gurugram, India: India is preparing to enter a new phase of regional aviation connectivity with the launch of its first

Blackstone, the world’s largest private equity firm, is reportedly close to reacquiring Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA) for $500 Million | Aviation Today

Seaplane

Blackstone to Reacquire Trans Maldivian Airways, World’s Largest Seaplane Operator

Aviation Today News Desk / March 17, 2025

Picture credits: Trans Maldivian Airways Maldives: Blackstone, the world’s largest private equity firm, is reportedly close to reacquiring Trans Maldivian

The first 17-seater aircraft flew from the Bolgatty Palace Waterdrome in less than an hour to Mattupetty Dam in Idukki | Aviation Today

General Aviation

From Backwaters to Highlands: Kerala’s First Amphibious Seaplane Service

Aviation Today News Desk / November 12, 2024

Picture Credits: Kerala Tourism’s official social media handle X Kochi: November 11th 2024, was a historic moment as the state’s

Seaplane

10 Rescued After Tropic Ocean Seaplane Crashes During Takeoff Near Bimini

Eight Rescued After Kodiak 100 Seaplane Crash Lands In New York’s East River; 2 Injured

India Set To Launch First Commercial Seaplane Airline As SkyHop Secures DGCA Clearance

Blackstone to Reacquire Trans Maldivian Airways, World’s Largest Seaplane Operator

From Backwaters to Highlands: Kerala’s First Amphibious Seaplane Service

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