No fatalities

Engine Failure Leads to Crash in Miami Lakes (N23DF)

Miami-Opa Locka, United States of AmericaTakeoff (climb)

On December 13, 1977, a Grumman G-21A Goose (registration N23DF) operated by Worldwide Aviation Distributors was involved in an aviation accident near Miami-Opa Locka, United States of America during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine failure during traffic pattern/circling and subsequent collision with buildings due to mismanagement of fuel. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

During a local demo flight at Miami-Opa Locka Airport, both engines failed, causing the pilot to lose control. The aircraft crashed into houses in Miami Lakes, was destroyed, and both occupants were seriously injured.

Incident

A local demonstration flight at Miami-Opa Locka Airport ended in a crash after both engines failed. The pilot lost control of the airplane, which subsequently struck several houses in Miami Lakes, located west of the airfield. The aircraft was destroyed in the impact, and both occupants sustained serious injuries.

Probable Cause

According to the official investigation, the probable cause of the accident was an engine failure during traffic pattern/circling and a subsequent collision with buildings due to mismanagement of fuel. Contributing factors included inattentiveness to the fuel supply, fuel starvation, failure to use the checklist, failure of both engines, 70 gallons of fuel in the right tank, and an empty left tank.