Crash of a Grumman G-21A Goose off Avalon: 1 killed

Date & Time: Sep 17, 1979 at 1715 LT
Type of aircraft:
Grumman G-21A Goose
Operator:
Registration:
N22932
Flight Phase:
Takeoff (climb)
Flight Type:
Scheduled Revenue Flight
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Lake, Sea, Ocean, River
Schedule:
Avalon - San Pedro
MSN:
B139
YOM:
1945
Location:
Avalon (Catalina Island)
California
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
3
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
13300
Captain / Total hours on type:
4000.00
Circumstances:
After takeoff from the bay of Avalon, the twin engine seaplane lost height and crashed into the sea. A passenger was killed while three other occupants were injured, the pilot seriously.
Probable cause:
Airframe failure during initial climb after the elevator tab control system failed. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Inadequate maintenance and inspection,
- Fatigue fracture,
- Up elevator cable separated 3 to 4 feet forward of station 29.
Final Report:

Crash of a Grumman G-21A Goose in Prince Rupert: 7 killed

Date & Time: Aug 30, 1979
Type of aircraft:
Grumman G-21A Goose
Operator:
Registration:
C-FUVJ
Flight Phase:
Flight
Flight Type:
Scheduled Revenue Flight
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Plain, Valley
MSN:
B006
YOM:
1943
Location:
Prince Rupert
British Columbia
Country:
Canada
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
8
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
7
Circumstances:
The seaplane crashed in unknown circumstances in Prince Rupert. Three occupants were rescued while seven others were killed.

Crash of a Grumman G-21A Goose off Avalon: 1 killed

Date & Time: Apr 14, 1979 at 1007 LT
Type of aircraft:
Grumman G-21A Goose
Operator:
Registration:
N11CS
Flight Phase:
Landing (descent or approach)
Flight Type:
Scheduled Revenue Flight
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Lake, Sea, Ocean, River
Schedule:
San Pedro - Avalon
MSN:
1166
YOM:
1942
Location:
Avalon (Catalina Island)
California
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
10
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
9335
Captain / Total hours on type:
455.00
Circumstances:
On approach to Avalon (Santa Catalina Island) in marginal weather conditions with low clouds and fog, the pilot decided to initiate a go-around after noticing boat wakes. Doing so, the seaplane stalled, lost height and crashed into the sea few hundred yards off Pebbly Beach. The pilot and two passengers were seriously injured while seven other occupants escaped with minor injuries. A passenger drowned.
Probable cause:
Stall during a go-around after the pilot misjudged distance, speed and altitude. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Failed to maintain flying speed,
- Low ceiling,
- Fog,
- Visibility two miles or less,
- Low altitude straight-in approach toward seaplane ramp,
- Go-around after noticing boat wakes.
Final Report:

Crash of a Grumman G-21A Goose off Christiansted

Date & Time: Nov 5, 1978 at 0939 LT
Type of aircraft:
Grumman G-21A Goose
Operator:
Registration:
N74676
Flight Phase:
Flight
Flight Type:
Test
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Lake, Sea, Ocean, River
Schedule:
Christiansted - Christiansted
MSN:
1172
YOM:
1942
Location:
Christiansted
All US Virgin Islands
Country:
US Virgin Islands
Region:
Central America
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
2
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
8943
Captain / Total hours on type:
443.00
Circumstances:
The seaplane was engaged in a test flight out from Christiansted on behalf of the FAA. While flying off Christiansted, the pilot encountered engine problems and decided to ditch the aircraft few miles offshore. All three occupants were rescued while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Probable cause:
Ditching following a double engine failure after the pilot attempted operation with known deficiens in equipment. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Improper in-flight decisions,
- Attempted operation beyond experience/ability level,
- Failure of both engines,
- Aircraft came to rest in water,
- 25 rpm flux reported on left engine previous three days of flight,
- 200 rpm during climbout and continued flight.
Final Report:

Crash of a Grumman G-21A Goose off Saint Thomas: 4 killed

Date & Time: Sep 2, 1978 at 1021 LT
Type of aircraft:
Grumman G-21A Goose
Operator:
Registration:
N7777V
Flight Phase:
Flight
Flight Type:
Scheduled Revenue Flight
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Lake, Sea, Ocean, River
Schedule:
Christiansted – Charlotte Amalie
MSN:
B111
YOM:
1945
Location:
Saint Thomas
All US Virgin Islands
Country:
US Virgin Islands
Region:
Central America
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
10
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
4
Captain / Total flying hours:
42005
Captain / Total hours on type:
5233.00
Circumstances:
En route from Christiansted to Charlotte Amalie, while in cruising altitude, one of the engine failed. The pilot attempted to ditch the aircraft off St Thomas Island when the seaplane crashed into the sea. Three passengers and the pilot, Cpt Charles Blair (69), owner of the company, were killed. Seven other occupants were injured. The aircraft was lost.
Probable cause:
Engine failure in flight due to improper maintenance. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Powerplant failure due to engine structure: cylinder assembly,
- Fatigue fracture,
- Improper in-flight decisions or planning,
- Improper emergency procedures,
- Inadequate supervision of flight crew,
- Deficiency, company maintained equipment, services, regulation,
- Rules, regulations, standards personnel,
- Aircraft came to rest in water,
- Forced landing off airport on water,
- STC approved flight at 8,750 lbs mass gross weight,
- Test indicate mass gross weight 8,150 lbs.
Final Report:

Crash of a Grumman G-21A Goose in Laboucher Bay: 12 killed

Date & Time: Aug 25, 1978
Type of aircraft:
Grumman G-21A Goose
Operator:
Registration:
N1045
Flight Phase:
Flight
Flight Type:
Scheduled Revenue Flight
Survivors:
No
Site:
Lake, Sea, Ocean, River
Schedule:
Laboucher Bay - Ketchikan
MSN:
1195
YOM:
1942
Location:
Laboucher Bay
Alaska
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
11
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
12
Captain / Total flying hours:
5727
Captain / Total hours on type:
684.00
Circumstances:
Crashed in unknown circumstances in the Laboucher Bay (Summer Strait) while on a flight from Laboucher Bay to Ketchikan. Four dead bodies only were found. The wreckage was not found.
Probable cause:
Due to lack of evidences, the cause of the accident could not be established.
Final Report:

Crash of a Grumman G-21A Goose off Powell River

Date & Time: Aug 14, 1978
Type of aircraft:
Grumman G-21A Goose
Operator:
West Coast Air Services
Registration:
CF-GEC
Flight Phase:
Landing (descent or approach)
Flight Type:
Scheduled Revenue Flight
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Lake, Sea, Ocean, River
MSN:
B098
YOM:
1944
Location:
Powell River
British Columbia
Country:
Canada
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
After landing off Powell River, the seaplane struck a dyke and sank. The pilot, sole on board, was unhurt.

Crash of a Grumman G-21A Goose off Charlotte Amalie

Date & Time: Jun 4, 1978 at 1435 LT
Type of aircraft:
Grumman G-21A Goose
Operator:
Registration:
N323
Flight Phase:
Takeoff (climb)
Flight Type:
Scheduled Revenue Flight
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Lake, Sea, Ocean, River
Schedule:
Charlotte Amalie - Christiansted
MSN:
1189
YOM:
1942
Location:
Charlotte Amalie-Cyril E. King (ex Harry S. Truman)
All US Virgin Islands
Country:
US Virgin Islands
Region:
Central America
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
10
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
11500
Captain / Total hours on type:
2733.00
Circumstances:
After takeoff from Charlotte Amalie, while climbing, the left engine failed. The pilot reduced his altitude and ditched the aircraft that struck rocks and came to rest by the shore. All 11 occupants were evacuated safely while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Probable cause:
Engine failure and subsequent uncontrolled collision with water due to inadequate maintenance and inspection. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Fuel system: ram air assembly,
- Material failure,
- Failed to follow approved procedures,
- Improper emergency procedures,
- Poor/inadequate design,
- Aircraft came to rest in water,
- Forced landing off airport on water,
- Carburetor airbox hot air to cold air valve linkage retaining bolt failed causing air starvation.
Final Report:

Crash of a Grumman G-21A Goose near Port Moller

Date & Time: May 12, 1978 at 1340 LT
Type of aircraft:
Grumman G-21A Goose
Operator:
Registration:
N1042
Flight Phase:
Takeoff (climb)
Flight Type:
Charter/Taxi (Non Scheduled Revenue Flight)
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Lake, Sea, Ocean, River
Schedule:
Port Moller - Cold Bay
MSN:
B043
YOM:
1943
Location:
Port Moller
Alaska
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
2
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
2855
Captain / Total hours on type:
54.00
Circumstances:
While taking off from a lake located near Port Moller, the left wing float stayed in water, causing the seaplane to plunged into water. All three occupants escaped with minor injuries while the aircraft was written off.
Probable cause:
Dragged wingtip during takeoff run due to improper operation of brakes and/or flight controls. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Failed to abort takeoff,
- Lack of familiarity with aircraft,
- Lagoon-open water,
- 33 hours PIC in type.
Final Report:

Crash of a Grumman G-21A Goose off Red Hook: 2 killed

Date & Time: Apr 5, 1978 at 1645 LT
Type of aircraft:
Grumman G-21A Goose
Operator:
Registration:
N8777A
Flight Phase:
Flight
Flight Type:
Scheduled Revenue Flight
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Lake, Sea, Ocean, River
Schedule:
Saint John - Christiansted
MSN:
1152
YOM:
1942
Flight number:
415
Location:
Red Hook
All US Virgin Islands
Country:
US Virgin Islands
Region:
Central America
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
7
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total flying hours:
14154
Captain / Total hours on type:
5697.00
Circumstances:
Several minutes after departure from St John on flight 415 to Christiansted, both engines stopped quite simultaneously. The crew reduced his altitude and attempted to ditch the aircraft. The amphibian landed in heavy sea conditions two miles northeast of Frenchmans Cap, approximately four miles southeast of Red Hook, on the east coast of St Thomas Island. All seven passengers were rescued while both pilots were killed.
Probable cause:
The double engine failure was the consequence of a crew error after the fuel selector was positioned between both fuel tanks.
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