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Airplane Crashes During Takeoff from Lagoon off Sanak Island (N148M)

Sanak Island, United States of AmericaTakeoff (climb)

On December 15, 1968, a Grumman G-44 Widgeon (registration N148M) operated by PenAir - Peninsula Airways - Alaska Airlines Commuter was involved in an aviation accident near Sanak Island, United States of America during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was probably caused by the combination of the following factors: - The pilot failed to obtain/maintain flying speed, - Sudden windshift, - Quartering tailwind up to 30 knots, - The pilot attempted to takeoff from a lagoon at low tide. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 7 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

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

An airplane failed to get airborne while taking off from a lagoon near Sanak Island, struck the shore, and crashed. All four occupants were injured, two seriously. The aircraft was written off.

Accident

During takeoff from a lagoon off Sanak Island, the airplane failed to become airborne. It subsequently struck the shore and crashed. The aircraft sustained damage beyond repair and was written off. All four individuals on board were injured, with two suffering serious injuries.

Probable Cause

According to official findings, the accident was probably caused by a combination of factors: the pilot failed to obtain or maintain flying speed, a sudden windshift occurred, there was a quartering tailwind of up to 30 knots, and the pilot attempted to take off from the lagoon at low tide.

Related events

Same operator

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