US Coast Guard photo of Kenmore Air crash near Sucia Island
At approximately 5:15 p.m. July 23, 2026 one of Kenmore Air’s de Havilland DHC-3 Otter aircraft (flight #140 departing from Lake Union, Seattle) was involved in an accident in Shallow Bay near Sucia Island. There were ten passengers and one pilot on board. All survived the crash.
Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound received the initial report at 5:25 p.m., and immediately launched search and rescue assets. An Urgent Marine Information Broadcast was issued to mariners in the area, and numerous good Samaritan vessels responded to assist.
Passengers are helped from the downed float plane. Monica Scott photo
An off-duty medic, nurse and recreational boaters assisted until emergency services arrived. Three patients were airlifted, four sent to Bellingham by boat, and four to Friday Harbor for treatment and care. While the crash resulted in serious injuries to some patients, there are no fatalities at this time.
The aircraft caught fire following the emergency landing and is currently against the rocks on Sucia Island. Coast Guard environmental response personnel have been notified and are coordinating with partner agencies to assess potential environmental impacts.
The national transportation, safety board and federal aviation administration have been notified, and the cause of the emergency landing and fire are under investigation.
Kenmore Air continues to cooperate fully with the NTSB, which is leading the investigation into Thursday’s incident near Sucia Island.
Based on available weather radar information, there was a weather system in the area at the time, and the pilot adjusted the flight path in response to that weather. Any determination about contributing factors will come from the NTSB investigation.
The pilot has been released from the hospital. Three passengers remain hospitalized: two at Harborview Medical Center and one at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham. Kenmore Air continues to wish everyone involved a full and swift recovery.
Regarding maintenance, aircraft N709KA, a de Havilland Otter, was current on required inspections. The aircraft’s maintenance records show its last 100-hour inspection was completed on June 25, 2026, and its last annual inspection was completed on January 26, 2026.
Families of those affected are urged to contact the dedicated support line established by Kenmore air at 866-435-9524.
Numerous agencies responded to the emergency when a float plane crashed near Sucia Island.
Responding agencies:
US Coast Guard station
US Coast Guard air station Port Angeles
US Coast Guard cutter Osprey
US Coast Guard sector Puget Sound
US naval air station Whidbey Island
Canadian Coast Guard ship Siyay
Washington Department of fish and wildlife
San Juan County sheriffs office
San Juan County office of emergency management
Orcas Island, fire and rescue
Airlift Northwest
British Columbia air ambulance
Kenmore Operations Update
Kenmore Air has cancelled all scheduled flights for Friday, July 24, as our team focuses on supporting the passengers, pilot, families, employees, and emergency response efforts following
today’s accident near Sucia Island. Affected passengers are being contacted directly regarding rebooking or refund options. Guests may also contact our Reservations team at 866-435-9524 for
assistance.
We recognize this disruption may affect our customers’ travel plans, and we sincerely appreciate their patience and understanding during this difficult time. Our thoughts remain with everyone affected, and we are grateful to the United States Coast Guard, local emergency responders, and our community partners for their swift response and continued support. We will continue to provide updates as additional information becomes available.