One dead, nine missing after float plane from Friday Harbor crashes in Mutiny Bay
SEATTLE -- A float plane departed Friday Harbor at 2:50 p.m. September 4 en route to Renton Municipal Airport and crashed 18 minutes later in Mutiny Bay west of Whidbey Island. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, there were nine adults and one child aboard.
One body has been recovered by Coast Guard crew. Nine individuals remain unaccounted for, and a safety zone has been put into effect to help facilitate search efforts.
As of Monday, the US Navy is joining in the recovery efforts.
Photo of N725TH from Flight Aware.
According to FlightAware.com, the plane was a 1967 DEHAVILLAND DHC-3, fixed wing single engine with 11 seats. It was owned by Northwest Seaplanes Inc. of Renton.
The chart of the plane's itinerary shows it had made trips between Renton, Friday Harbor, Roche Harbor September 4, 2022.
Watchstanders at the Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound Command Center received a report at 3:11 p.m. (Pacific Standard Time) that a float plane crashed with nine adults and one child aboard. The plane was en route to Renton Municipal Airport after departing from Friday Harbor.
The following assets are currently involved in the search:
Coast Guard Air Station Port Angeles MH-65 Dolphin rescue helicopter crew
87-foot Coast Guard Cutter Osprey and crew
87-foot Coast Guard Cutter Blue Shark and crew (en route)
Coast Guard Station Seattle 45-foot Response Boat-Medium crew
Coast Guard Station Port Angeles 45-foot RB-M crew
Coast Guard Air Station Sacramento C-27 aircraft and crew
Additionally, first responders from South Whidbey Fire, Island County Sheriff’s Office and Snohomish County Sheriff’s office are on scene.
The cause of the incident is unknown at this time.
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