Kenmore Air Crash: Floatplane Service Resumes After Safety Review

Kenmore Air resumed scheduled floatplane service Saturday, July 26, following a one-day operational shutdown prompted by the Kenmore Air crash near Sucia Island. The carrier canceled all flights Friday to support affected passengers and crew while conducting an internal safety review, according to KOMO News and KIRO 7. Company officials said they are contacting customers impacted by Friday's cancellations to arrange rebooking or issue refunds.

The resumption comes as federal investigators continue examining the July 23 emergency water landing in Washington's San Juan Islands. The incident involved a de Havilland DHC-3 Otter — registered as N10KJ — carrying 11 people. The aircraft struck the water and subsequently caught fire; four passengers required hospitalization in Bellingham and Seattle, while the remaining seven sustained injuries of varying severity.

Federal Investigation Ongoing

The National Transportation Safety Board and the FAA are jointly investigating the Sucia Island floatplane crash. Investigators are analyzing radar data, weather conditions, and maintenance records to determine the probable cause. The NTSB does not plan to deploy a field team to the scene but expects to release a preliminary factual report within approximately 30 days. A final probable-cause determination is anticipated within 12 to 24 months.