Kenmore Air Crash: What Happened?
A Kenmore Air seaplane carrying 11 people crashed near Sucia Island in Washington State on July 23, 2026, prompting a large-scale emergency response involving the U.S. Coast Guard, local rescue agencies, and nearby boaters.
Despite the dramatic crash and the aircraft catching fire after impact, everyone on board survived, making the incident a remarkable rescue story. However, several passengers suffered injuries, including one person who was reported in critical condition.
Where Did the Kenmore Air Crash Happen?
The accident occurred in Shallow Bay near Sucia Island, part of the San Juan Islands in northwestern Washington.
The aircraft had departed from Lake Union in Seattle at approximately 4:30 p.m. and was en route to Roche Harbor when it encountered trouble roughly 45 minutes into the flight.
What Type of Aircraft Was Involved?
The aircraft was a de Havilland DHC-3 Otter, a single-engine floatplane commonly used by Kenmore Air for regional flights between Seattle, the San Juan Islands, and nearby destinations.
These aircraft are designed to operate from both water and land, making them a popular choice for travel in the Pacific Northwest.
What Happened During the Flight?
According to officials and witness videos, the floatplane was seen flying unusually low over the water before attempting an emergency landing.
The aircraft struck the rocky shoreline near Sucia Island and caught fire shortly after impact.
Nearby boaters immediately rushed toward the wreckage to help rescue passengers before emergency crews arrived.
Video recorded by witnesses quickly spread across social media, contributing to the incident becoming a trending news story.
Rescue Operation
Emergency responders from multiple agencies quickly arrived at the scene, including:
- United States Coast Guard
- San Juan County Sheriff's Office
- Local fire departments
- Air ambulance crews
- Nearby civilian boaters
All 10 passengers and the pilot were safely evacuated from the aircraft.
Several injured passengers were transported to hospitals in Bellingham, Friday Harbor, and Seattle for treatment.
Injuries Reported
Officials reported that:
- One passenger remained in critical condition.
- Others suffered broken bones, head injuries, cuts, and other non-life-threatening injuries.
- Several patients were discharged from the hospital within a day of the crash.
Importantly, no fatalities were reported.
Investigation Underway
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched an investigation into the accident.
Investigators are expected to examine:
- Flight data
- Pilot actions
- Aircraft maintenance records
- Weather conditions
- Video footage captured by witnesses
- The circumstances leading to the emergency landing
The investigation could take several months before a final report is released.
Kenmore Air Responds
Following the accident, Kenmore Air temporarily canceled scheduled flights while focusing on supporting passengers, crew members, and their families.
The airline thanked emergency responders and nearby boaters whose quick actions helped ensure everyone aboard survived.
Company officials also stated they are fully cooperating with investigators.
About Kenmore Air
Founded in 1946, Kenmore Air is one of the best-known regional airlines in the Pacific Northwest.
The airline operates scheduled and charter flights throughout:
- Washington State
- British Columbia
- The San Juan Islands
- Seattle metropolitan area
Its fleet includes floatplanes and wheeled aircraft that connect destinations not easily reached by road or ferry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the Kenmore Air crash occur?
The aircraft crashed near Sucia Island in Washington State's San Juan Islands.
How many people were on board?
There were 11 people on the aircraft, including 10 passengers and one pilot.
Did anyone die?
No. All 11 people survived the crash, although several suffered injuries and one passenger was reported in critical condition.
What caused the crash?
The cause has not yet been determined. The FAA and NTSB are conducting an official investigation.
What type of aircraft crashed?
The aircraft was a de Havilland DHC-3 Otter floatplane operated by Kenmore Air.
Final Thoughts
The Kenmore Air crash near Sucia Island could have ended in tragedy, but the swift response from nearby boaters and emergency crews helped ensure that every person on board survived. While investigators work to determine exactly what caused the accident, the focus remains on the recovery of the injured passengers and understanding how the emergency unfolded.
As new information becomes available from the FAA and NTSB, the investigation is expected to provide further insight into the circumstances surrounding one of the Pacific Northwest's most closely watched aviation incidents of 2026.
