Vessel 1 (21’ Viper Cobra fiberglass) was traveling east in the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) towards Bayou Segnette waterway in Jefferson Parish.  At the time, Seaplane (Cessna 185) was on final approach for a water landing in the same direction on the ICW.  

The Operator of Vessel 1 and one passenger were aboard the vessel and stated they were returning from fishing and were not aware of the Seaplane.  The Pilot, the sole occupant of the Seaplane, stated that she observed a pontoon boat, airboat, and a recreational vessel (Vessel 1) in the waterway.  The Pilot began her descent and stated she noted the position of the vessels. 

Evidence and statements suggest that at some point, Vessel 1 maneuvered into the landing path of the Seaplane, with no knowledge of the Pilot.  During the landing, but before touching down on the water, the Seaplane’s right pontoon impacted the engine cowling of Vessel 1.  Vessel 1 rotated hard to port and the Seaplane overturned and began to sink in an upside down position.  The Pilot exited the aircraft and was approached by Vessel 1.  The pilot asked what she had hit and the passenger of Vessel 1 responded, “You hit us.”  

There were minor injuries of all parties involved in the incident.  Required, wearable PFDs were on the vessel and used during the incident.  No alcohol is suspected in this incident.  Contributing factors include no proper lookout on behalf of Vessel 1, Louisiana Rules of the Road for Boater’s violation of Vessel 1, and inattention on behalf of both Vessel 1 and the Seaplane.
Intracoastal Waterway
Westwego                      