Float Plane Crashes Into Mutiny Bay: 1 Dead, 9 Missing

WHIDBEY ISLAND, WA — One person died and authorities were searching for nine others Sunday evening after a float plane crashed west of Whidbey Island. The U.S. Coast Guard said the plane was en route from Friday Harbor to Renton Municipal Airport when it crashed.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the De Havilland DHC-3 was carrying 10 people when it crashed into Mutiny Bay. The Coast Guard said nine adults and a child were on board, and watchstanders fielded the first crash report at 3:11 p.m.

First responders from South Whidbey Fire, the Island County Sheriff's Office and Snohomish County Sheriff's Office rushed to the scene as the Coast Guard deployed a rescue helicopter and two cutters, along with three other crews.

In a news release Sunday night, Coast Guard officials said nine people were still missing and a safety zone was in place to assist search efforts on the water.

The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board will complete a full investigation into the cause of the crash. Officials will release more information about the specific aircraft once investigators confirm its registration number.