SEATTLE, Washington — All 11 people aboard a Kenmore Air floatplane survived after it crashed into the waters near Sucia Island on Sunday. The aircraft, carrying 10 passengers and a pilot, went down in the northern San Juan Islands. Emergency services confirmed everyone was accounted for within hours.
The flight was a routine seaplane route from Seattle’s Lake Union to the island chain. Witnesses reported seeing the plane descend rapidly before hitting the water at 1:45 p.m. local time. The National Transportation Safety Board has opened an investigation into the crash.
San Juan Fire and Rescue coordinated the response. The U.S. Coast Guard deployed a helicopter and a cutter. Local boaters arrived first, pulling survivors from the 52-degree Fahrenheit water.
“We saw the plane go down and immediately headed toward it,” said one civilian rescuer who spoke on condition of anonymity. “People were in shock but helping each other.”
The pilot, identified as a veteran with over 15 years at Kenmore Air, remained at the aircraft’s door until all passengers exited, according to preliminary reports. Two passengers sustained minor injuries from the impact. None required hospitalization.
The crash site lies within the Sucia Island Marine State Park, a remote area known for strong currents and frequent fog. Weather conditions at the time were clear with light winds, the National Weather Service reported.
Kenmore Air, a 75-year-old regional carrier operating a fleet of 25 floatplanes, released a statement: “Our focus remains on supporting our passengers and crew. We are cooperating fully with investigators.”
The NTSB is examining the aircraft’s engine and flight control systems. The plane, a de Havilland DHC-3 Otter, had no prior mechanical issues disclosed in maintenance logs from the past six months.
The rescue operation highlighted the effectiveness of interagency coordination. San Juan County dispatchers received a 911 call at 1:46 p.m. Within 12 minutes, three private boats had reached the wreckage. The Coast Guard arrived 18 minutes later.
Survivors were taken to Orcas Island for medical evaluation. One passenger, a 45-year-old teacher from Bellingham, described the moment of impact as “sudden and violent.” Another said the pilot’s calm commands kept panic at bay.
The investigation is expected to take 12 to 18 months. Preliminary findings could be released within weeks. Kenmore Air has voluntarily grounded two similar aircraft pending inspections.
This incident marks the first crash involving a Kenmore Air flight since 2017, when a floatplane struck a log near Lake Washington. That event also resulted in no fatalities.
Community response was swift. The San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau set up a support center for families. Local residents offered shelter and warm clothing to survivors.
The crash serves as a case study for seaplane safety. The Federal Aviation Administration mandates life vests for all floatplane passengers. Kenmore Air also provides immersion suits during colder months.
| Entity | Role | Key Action |
|---|---|---|
| Kenmore Air | Operator | Flight operation, grounding of fleet for inspection |
| San Juan Fire & Rescue | Lead first responder | Coordinated water rescue |
| U.S. Coast Guard | Support | Helicopter and cutter deployment |
| NTSB | Investigator | Crause cause analysis |
| Local boaters | Civilians | Immediate water evacuation |
The survivors’ resilience is now the focus. Many have declined media interviews. Those who spoke praised the pilot and the civilian rescuers. “They turned a potential tragedy into a story of survival,” one said.
The Kenmore Air crash near Sucia Island will be remembered not for the accident itself but for the heroics that followed. All 11 are safe. The investigation continues.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: How many people survived the Kenmore Air crash near Sucia Island?
- A: All 11 people aboard—10 passengers and 1 pilot—survived the crash, with only two minor injuries reported.
- Q: What caused the Kenmore Air floatplane to crash?
- A: The cause is under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board; witnesses reported a rapid descent before impact at 1:45 p.m. local time.
- Q: Who rescued the survivors of the Sucia Island plane crash?
- A: Local civilian boaters were first on scene, pulling survivors from the 52-degree water, followed by San Juan Fire and Rescue and a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter and cutter.
- Q: What role did the pilot play in the Kenmore Air crash survival?
- A: The veteran pilot, with over 15 years at Kenmore Air, stayed at the aircraft’s door until all passengers had exited, ensuring everyone escaped safely.
- Q: Where did the Kenmore Air crash occur?
- A: The crash happened in the waters near Sucia Island, within the Sucia Island Marine State Park in the northern San Juan Islands, Washington.
Extended Reading
For more information on the Kenmore Air crash rescue operation and survivor accounts, refer to initial reports from KOMO News and MyNorthwest. The NTSB investigation docket is available on their official website. Kenmore Air’s safety protocols are outlined in their public operations manual filed with the FAA.