On July 23, 2026, a De Havilland DHC-3 Otter (registration N709KA) operated by Kenmore Air was involved in an aviation accident near Sucia Island, United States of America in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Technical problems encountered en route forced an emergency water landing that resulted in the aircraft striking rocks and subsequently being destroyed by fire. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft encountered technical issues while en route from Seattle to Roche Harbor, forcing an emergency landing on water near Sucia Island. All eleven occupants evacuated safely, with one sustaining serious injuries before the plane was destroyed by fire.
What happened
While traveling from Seattle to Roche Harbor, the pilot experienced technical difficulties that necessitated an immediate response. The aircraft attempted an emergency landing in the waters adjacent to Sucia Island. Upon contacting the water surface, the airplane subsequently struck rocks, leading to a crash. All 11 occupants managed to evacuate the cabin successfully. During this process, one individual sustained serious injuries. Shortly after the initial impact and evacuation, the aircraft caught fire and was completely destroyed.
Findings
The incident was precipitated by technical problems encountered during the flight phase. The sequence of events resulted in a total loss of the airframe due to post-crash fire, although no fatalities were reported among the passengers and crew.
Probable cause
Technical problems encountered en route forced an emergency water landing that resulted in the aircraft striking rocks and subsequently being destroyed by fire.
What happened in the 23 Jul 2026 De Havilland DHC-3 Otter accident near Sucia Island, United States of America?
An aircraft encountered technical issues while en route from Seattle to Roche Harbor, forcing an emergency landing on water near Sucia Island. All eleven occupants evacuated safely, with one sustaining serious injuries before the plane was destroyed by fire.
Were there any fatalities in the 23 Jul 2026 De Havilland DHC-3 Otter accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 23 Jul 2026 involved a De Havilland DHC-3 Otter, registration N709KA, operated by Kenmore Air, at Sucia Island, United States of America.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Technical problems encountered en route forced an emergency water landing that resulted in the aircraft striking rocks and subsequently being destroyed by fire.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…