The seaplane that crashed into the East River off Manhattan’s East Side was operating out of New York City’s sole seaplane terminal, the NY Skyport.
Eight people were aboard the aircraft, registered as N726SH, according to the Federal Aviation Administration, which is now investigating the incident. The agency noted that the information released is preliminary and subject to change.
Air traffic control recordings captured the moments leading up to the crash, including the pilot’s mayday declaration before the aircraft impacted the water.
Separate radio traffic recorded a helicopter from the New York City Police Department responding to a call of a plane down in the water.
Authorities have not yet identified the pilot or passengers, and the cause of the hard landing remains unclear.
Video footage from the scene shows first responders surrounding the seaplane, which floated upright in the East River while rescue crews worked to remove those aboard.
Additional footage shows the seaplane being towed back toward the dock after the rescue operation concluded.
The incident triggered a large emergency response, with FDNY marine units and other first responders converging on the East River waterfront.
The FAA has directed local authorities to provide information regarding the people on board.
