On June 4, 1978, a Grumman G-21A Goose (registration N323) operated by Antilles Air Boats was involved in an aviation accident near Charlotte Amalie-Cyril E. King (ex Harry S. Truman), US Virgin Islands during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine failure and subsequent uncontrolled collision with water due to inadequate maintenance and inspection. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 6 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft ditched after left engine failure on takeoff from Charlotte Amalie. All 11 occupants evacuated safely, but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Incident Summary
Shortly after takeoff from Charlotte Amalie, while climbing, the left engine of the aircraft failed. The pilot responded by reducing altitude and executing a ditching. During the water landing, the aircraft struck rocks and came to rest near the shore. All 11 occupants were evacuated safely. The aircraft sustained damage beyond repair.
Cause and Contributing Factors
The official probable cause of the accident was determined to be engine failure and subsequent uncontrolled collision with water due to inadequate maintenance and inspection. Several contributing factors were identified:
Fuel system: ram air assembly
Material failure
Failure to follow approved procedures
Improper emergency procedures
Poor or 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
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