On September 17, 1979, a Grumman G-21A Goose (registration N22932) operated by Catalina Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Avalon (Catalina Island), United States of America during takeoff. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Airframe failure during initial climb after the elevator tab control system failed. Contributing factors: inadequate maintenance and inspection, fatigue fracture, up elevator cable separated 3 to 4 feet forward of station 29. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A twin-engine seaplane crashed into the sea after takeoff from Avalon bay, killing a passenger and injuring three others. Investigators cited airframe failure due to elevator tab control system failure.
Accident Overview
A twin-engine seaplane crashed into the sea shortly after taking off from the bay of Avalon. The aircraft lost height and impacted the water. One passenger was killed, and three other occupants were injured. Among the injured, the pilot sustained serious injuries.
Probable Cause and Contributing Factors
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be an airframe failure during initial climb, which occurred after the elevator tab control system failed. Several contributing factors were identified: inadequate maintenance and inspection, a fatigue fracture, and separation of the up elevator cable 3 to 4 feet forward of station 29.
What happened in the 17 Sept 1979 Grumman G-21A Goose accident near Avalon (Catalina Island), United States of America?
A twin-engine seaplane crashed into the sea after takeoff from Avalon bay, killing a passenger and injuring three others. Investigators cited airframe failure due to elevator tab control system failure.
Were there any fatalities in the 17 Sept 1979 Grumman G-21A Goose accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 17 Sept 1979 involved a Grumman G-21A Goose, registration N22932, operated by Catalina Airlines, at Avalon (Catalina Island), United States of America.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Airframe failure during initial climb after the elevator tab control system failed. Contributing factors: inadequate maintenance and inspection, fatigue fracture, up elevator cable separated 3 to 4 feet forward of station 29.
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