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
What happened in the 4 Jun 1978 Grumman G-21A Goose accident near Charlotte Amalie-Cyril E. King (ex Harry S. Truman), US Virgin Islands?
An aircraft ditched after left engine failure on takeoff from Charlotte Amalie. All 11 occupants evacuated safely, but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Were there any fatalities in the 4 Jun 1978 Grumman G-21A Goose accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 4 Jun 1978 involved a Grumman G-21A Goose, registration N323, operated by Antilles Air Boats, at Charlotte Amalie-Cyril E. King (ex Harry S. Truman), US Virgin Islands.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Engine failure and subsequent uncontrolled collision with water due to inadequate maintenance and inspection. Contributing factors: 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…
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…