NTSB: Kenmore Air floatplane was diverting for bad weather when it crashed near Sucia Island
Aug 19, 2026, 5:32 PM
The scene after a Kenmore Air floatplane crashed. (Photo courtesy of the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office via public records request via KIRO 7)
(Photo courtesy of the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office via public records request via KIRO 7)
A preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said the Kenmore Air floatplane that crashed near Sucia Island on July 23 was trying to divert when it went down.
The report stated that the pilot radioed that he was dealing with bad weather and planned to land when conditions improved.
Video shows the plane’s left wing hit the water on landing before the aircraft struck rocks and caught fire.
All 11 people made it off the plane and survived. Two passengers were injured, as was the pilot.
Kenmore Air cooperating with investigation
Kenmore Air told KIRO Newsradio it’s cooperating with the investigation.
“We are reviewing the NTSB’s preliminary report carefully and extend our continued sympathy to everyone affected by this accident,” a spokesperson stated. “We are deeply sorry that this event occurred and for the impact it has had on everyone affected. Safety is our utmost priority in everything we do. We will continue to cooperate fully with the NTSB investigation as it continues.”
The flight originated from Kenmore Sea Base (W55) in Seattle at 4:30 p.m. on July 23.
It had scheduled stops at Roche Harbor (WA03) and Friday Harbor (W33), according to the preliminary report.
RELATED STORIES
Pilot radioed about inclement weather
“The operator stated that the pilot radioed the company operations center and reported inclement weather, which precluded the flight from continuing to WA03,” the report stated. “The pilot informed the operator that he would return to Sucia Island, land, and wait for the weather to improve.”
The pilot reported there “were multiple bays around Sucia Island” where he was authorized to land.
“When the airplane was about 11 miles northeast of WA03, it turned right about 180° and flew about 5 miles towards Sucia Island,” the report stated. “Video imagery from a witness who was near Shallow Bay, Sucia Island, showed the airplane at a low altitude and a nose-high attitude descending towards the water. When the airplane was about 4 feet above the water, the left wing dropped, and the left wingtip and left pontoon float impacted the water.”
The airplane landed with both pontoon floats on the water, and then hit some rocks.
After the crash, the plane caught fire, but with help from people on multiple small boats, all of the passengers and the pilot were able to get off in time.
Frank Lenzi is the News Director for KIRO Newsradio. Read more of his stories here.
