Two rescued after seaplane tips in Orchard Lake

Two individuals were pulled from the water Monday afternoon after a seaplane tipped over in Orchard Lake. Police confirmed both people were safely transported to shore without injury.

The incident occurred shortly after 1 p.m. Orchard Lake Police Chief Jeffrey Gomez stated the plane landed on the lake and stayed on the water for several minutes. During that time, one of the floats began taking on water, which caused the aircraft to tip.

Gomez clarified that investigators are classifying the event as a watercraft incident rather than a plane crash. He explained that seaplanes often perform 'touch and go' maneuvers, where they briefly contact the water before taking off, or they may land and remain on the surface before departing. Gomez indicated that this likely occurred in this instance.

West Bloomfield police, Orchard Lake police, and the Oakland County Sheriff’s Marine Division responded to the scene. The aircraft belonged to Michigan Sea Plane, a flight school located in White Lake.

The event drew attention from nearby Saint Mary’s High School. Steve Schneider, a campus security employee, said staff members stepped outside the building after noticing the activity on the lake. Schneider noted that the school maintains safety boats and was prepared to assist if anyone was in immediate distress.

Authorities directed the public to avoid the boat launch while crews worked at the scene. Gomez stated there was no threat to the public as officers contained the area and checked for a potential fuel spill.