Seaplanes on Thin Ice: A Pattern of Recklessness? The recent hard landing of a seaplane in New York City's East River has left at least eight people shaken, but fortunately without any major injuries.
The incident raises questions about the safety record of these floating aircraft and the regulatory environment that governs them. This is not an isolated incident.
Just three weeks ago, another seaplane crashed into the same river, although in that case no one was hurt. The pattern of near misses and close calls has become alarmingly common in recent times.