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Pilot and Passenger Miraculously Survive Crash into New York River
On June 13, 2026, a seaplane reportedly clipped a wave during takeoff, creating a terrifying scene in New York City. Emergency crews raced to the East River near Throggs Neck Bridge and Whitestone in Queens, hoping to find survivors, according to The Sheffield Press. When New York Firefighters and emergency crews arrived, they pulled the pilot and passenger safely to shore. The crash occurred in a relatively congested area of the water, making it a true miracle that the two people survived.
The Seaplane Crash Survivors Lived to Tell Their Story
Giuseppe Oppedisano, the 67-year-old pilot of the private plane, shared his story with the New York Post.
“I was taking off, and I hit a big wave and the windshield cracked open … and it took on water,” he said very matter-of-factly. “That’s it. Everything is fine.”
Giuseppe owns Il Bacco restaurant in Little Neck, Queens, and was reportedly on his way to meet a friend for lunch. He said emergency crews arrived very quickly.
“The window is broken, so I just got out,” he told the Post. “I have a life jacket on, and I called 911, and they came right away.”
Giuseppe said he plans to fly again and won’t let the seaplane crash deter him.
“Of course, I’m still going to be flying,” he said, showing off a small scratch on his arm. This is actually the second crash he’s piloted and survived, per the Post.
“This was a freak accident,” he said. “The last one was a freak accident, too, because as I am landing in the water, a boat jumped in front of me.”
Some people have good luck and guardian angels with them all the time. Giuseppe Oppedisano appears to be among them.
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