Recovery efforts are underway after a float plane crashed in Mutiny Bay, just west of Whidbey Island on Sunday.
According to the United States Coast Guard, nine adults and one child were on board the plane when it crashed at 3:11 p.m.
One person’s body was recovered at the scene.
Recovery efforts are underway to find the nine additional victims.
The single-engine float plane that crashed is a DHC-3 Otter.
The plane was flying from Friday Harbor to Renton Municipal Airport, which takes about 50 minutes. It was about halfway through the route when it crashed.
“For whatever reason it went straight for the water, didn’t even attempt a landing, went straight down into the water,” said Terry Ney, deputy chief of operations for South Whidbey Fire & Rescue. “At this point, we’re not expecting to find any survivors.”
“Our crews are out there searching right now, and I guarantee you there are very few people who want these people found (more) than our crews on scene. Our hearts go out to the family and friends affected by this tragedy. You know, it’s difficult every single time. It really is,” Stephen Nolan with USCG said Sunday.
North Whidbey Fire marine units, Kitsap County Fire marine units, Everett Fire marine units, Naval Air Station Whidbey Island Search & Rescue and USCG units are assisting in the response.
The Federal Aviation Administration established a temporary flight restriction area around the crash zone.
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the cause of the crash.
South Whidbey Fire/EMS marine crews along with North Whidbey Fire marine units, Kitsap County Fire marine units, NAS Whidbey SAR and USCG units just arrived in area of a float plane crash in Puget Sound west of Mutiny Bay, Whidbey Island. This is a developing story.
— SouthWhidbeyFire/EMS (@SWFEMS) September 4, 2022
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