Small seaplane capsizes in St. John's river

Florida Highway Patrol says a small seaplane crashed in the St. John’s river while attempting to land near Crystal Cove.

Investigators say the pilot, Lindsay Weaver, had just taken off from the Palatka airport and was attempting to make a routine landing on the St. John’s river.

“A small seaplane attempted to land in the St. John’s river and it capsized upon landing,” said Sergeant Dylan Bryan with Florida Highway Patrol.

According to the Putnam County press release, the plane’s landing gear underneath the floats had been left down which caused the plane to flip when it hit the water. FHP says the plane rested on top of the water in an inverted position with the passenger compartment and fuesalage under water.

Bryan said, “There were four occupants onboard. All four were able to safely get out.”

FHP says one passenger was sent to the hospital with minor injuries. Crews attempted to tow the plane to shore, however, they were not able to because it’s lodged in a sandbar.

The plane will be removed Tuesday night or Wednesday.