Pilot survives small plane crash into Lake Washington

KIRKLAND, Wash. — A pilot survived a seaplane crash into Lake Washington near Carrilon Point in Kirkland Tuesday morning.

It happened at 7:45 a.m. about a half-mile to a mile off shore. No one else was on board.

According to Kirkland fire, the seaplane was trying to land on the water when it crashed and capsized. Witness video shows people crowding around the marina to see what happened.

“A seaplane came in for a normal landing north to south before somersaulting and ending up upside down in the lake,” Kirkland fire Deputy Chief Tim Day said.

Day said private boats made their way to the crash scene to save the pilot, who escaped the plane.

“I’m sure it was very harrowing for a couple of minutes. (He) was picked up by boaters who were in the area, which is just fantastic that people are so willing to help,” Day said.

Pictures from Seattle police Harbor Patrol show the wheels still deployed on the seaplane, which could have contributed to the crash.

“I saw the wheels were up on the pontoons looking through binoculars. I think that will be part of the investigation,” said Day.

The plane is registered to CLY Aviation based out of Bellevue. Kirkland fire said as far as they know, the plane is based on the lake and privately owned.

Cox Media Group