The crash claimed the lives of Wong and two international tourists, while a Perth couple, Jeremy and Patricia Connor, survived along with the partners of the deceased.

Witnesses reported strong, gusty winds during the crash, which may have contributed to the accident.

The Cessna 208, operated by Swan River Seaplanes, nosedived into the water approximately 600 meters offshore around 4 PM after experiencing turbulence during take-off.

Witnesses observed the plane partially afloat, with survivors moving to an air pocket in the submerged cabin, while some escaped through a door and others were rescued through a smashed window.

The Connors credited Wong's earlier safety instructions about emergency exits for their survival, as they were seated at the rear of the aircraft while the deceased were in the front rows.

In addition to the fatalities, two individuals—a 58-year-old woman from Denmark and a 63-year-old man from Switzerland—were injured, along with two other passengers from Western Australia, and were taken to the hospital.

The aircraft had been inspected a week prior to the crash, and a final report from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is pending, which will include evaluations of mobile phone records, engine data, weather, pilot training, and maintenance records.

On February 27, 2025, the ATSB released a preliminary report indicating that Wong had expressed concerns about the strong winds before the flight, with his employer suggesting postponing the flight if conditions were unfavorable.

Survivors recalled their harrowing escape from the sinking wreckage, highlighting the chaos and urgency of the situation.

Despite these concerns, the flight departed on schedule, with Wong noting that conditions were "rough but OK" just before take-off.

On January 7, 2025, a tragic seaplane crash near Rottnest Island, a popular tourist destination in Australia, resulted in the deaths of three individuals, including the pilot, James Wong, 34, and two elderly European tourists.

Prior to take-off, Wong expressed concerns about the weather conditions, indicating that the swells around the island were troubling, which led him to change the departure point to a more sheltered area.