Sydney Seaplanes Cessna 208 Incident in Sydney Harbour, NSW – Australia

Date:
25-JAN-2024

Time:
c. 11:45 LT

Type of Aircraft:
Cessna 208 Caravan I

Owner/Operator:
Sydney Seaplanes Pty Ltd

Registration:
VH-ZWH

MSN:
20800399

Year of Manufacture:
2006

Engine Model:
Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-114A

Fatalities:
0 / Occupants: 9

Aircraft Damage:
Substantial

Location:
Sydney Harbour, near Rose Bay Water Airport (RSE/YRAY), NSW – Australia

Phase:
Take off

Nature:
Passenger

Departure Airport:
Rose Bay Water Airport (RSE/YRAY)

Destination Airport:
–

Circumstances:

**A Sydney Seaplanes Cessna 208 Caravan I experienced a dramatic incident in Sydney Harbour. During a takeoff attempt from the waters near Rose Bay, the aircraft encountered difficulties and hit an object, believed to be a rogue wave, causing the port float to collapse. The plane capsized near Shark Island. All nine occupants, including the pilot, safely evacuated to a float. One person suffered minor injuries. The aircraft, registered to Sydney Seaplanes Pty Ltd, received substantial damage and began to sink but was later winched to the rocks of Shark Island. Emergency services, including police and paramedics, responded promptly, and the passengers were evacuated to safety. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau is investigating the incident. This event has raised concerns about water takeoff safety in Sydney Harbour, and the aviation community is closely following the investigation’s outcomes.**