Operator Image

Crash of a Grumman G-73 Mallard off Avalon

Date & Time: Jan 14, 1979 at 1640 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N95DF
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Avalon - Long Beach
MSN:
J-19
YOM:
1947
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
9
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
6500
Captain / Total hours on type:
85.00
Circumstances:
While taking off from the Avalon harbour, the seaplane struck three successive waves. On impact, the left engine and the left were torn off. The aircraft came to rest and was damaged beyond repair. All 11 occupants escaped with minor injuries.
Probable cause:
Engine tearaway during takeoff run after the crew selected an unsuitable terrain and failed to abort takeoff. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Premature liftoff,
- Overload failure.
Final Report: