"The pilot did a great job on making sure it didn't turn over," Hurlburt told the newspaper. "He pulled a Sully on that one.
I was so impressed the pilot didn't let it sink."
The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the aircraft was built last year and announced it will conduct a full investigation into why the structural wing component failed during the touchdown.
According to FAA social media statements, air traffic control was not actively providing services to the aircraft when the hard landing occurred.
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The incident marks the second seaplane accident in the East River within a month, following a June 13 mishap where a two-seater aircraft partially capsized near Queens after hitting a large wave during takeoff.
