Full Breakdown
Kenmore Air Flight 140 Crash and Rescue Near Sucia Island
7/26/2026, 8:37:37 PM
Core Event
On July 23, 2026, a Kenmore Air de Havilland DHC-3 Otter carrying ten passengers and a pilot departed Lake Union for Roche Harbor. At 5:15 p.m. the aircraft made an emergency landing in Shallow Bay on Sucia Island, struck the shoreline and ignited. All eleven occupants were rescued and accounted for.
Background & Context
- Weather: Thunderstorms with 12-20 mph gusts, 10-mile visibility and lightning were reported. The pilot altered the flight path in response.
- Aircraft: The Otter, built in 1960, has been with Kenmore Air since 2016. Its most recent 100-hour inspection was on June 25, 2026 and its annual inspection on January 26, 2026.
Data & Statistics
- Occupants: 11 – all survived.
- Injuries: Four suffered head injuries, broken bones or lacerations; one passenger remained critical.
- Medical care: Two passengers were taken to PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham, two to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle; the pilot was released after evaluation.
- Rescue assets: U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Navy, Canadian Coast Guard, San Juan County Sheriff’s Office and civilian vessels responded.
On-the-Ground Reports
Recreational boaters formed a flotilla of three vessels, used life-jacket foam as splints, and handed out blankets and first aid.
Jack DeCook, a local boater, recalled hearing a “big black plume of smoke” and said, “They all jumped in their dinghies and ran over there and rescued everybody.”
San Juan County Sheriff Eric Peter noted a civilian boat had already rescued “one to three people” before official responders arrived.
Official Statements & Responses
- Investigations: The NTSB and FAA opened investigations, requesting radar data, weather information, maintenance logs and the pilot’s medical records.
- Coast Guard: An Urgent Marine Information Broadcast was issued; assets, including an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter, lifted injured passengers and coordinated with Canadian partners and environmental teams.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The cause of the emergency landing remains undetermined. Sources cite the pilot’s weather-related adjustment, while others state the cause is unknown. No mechanical failure has been confirmed; the NTSB investigation continues.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We are grateful that everyone aboard has been accounted for,” — Kenmore CEO David Gudgel
- “They all jumped in their dinghies and ran over there and rescued everybody,” — Jack DeCook
- “And we know that one civilian boat had picked up somewhere in the range of one to three people to get them out of the water before our team showed up,” — Sheriff Eric Peter
Timeline
- 4:30 p.m.: Flight 140 departs Lake Union.
- 5:15 p.m.: Aircraft lands in Shallow Bay, catches fire.
- ~5:25 p.m.: 911 call; Urgent Marine Information Broadcast; civilian boats begin rescue.
- Evening: Coast Guard helicopter hoists injured passenger; medical transport begins.
- July 24 morning: All occupants accounted for; three remain hospitalized.
- July 24 afternoon: NTSB confirms investigation; Kenmore Air cancels scheduled flights for the day.
What’s Next
The NTSB expects a preliminary report within 30 days and a final report within 12-24 months. Wreckage will be recovered for examination, and environmental teams will monitor potential impacts.
