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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 report: the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive (1962-1981)Updated 2026-07-04Data 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

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 Dec 1968 Grumman G-44 Widgeon accident near Sanak Island, United States of America?

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.

Were there any fatalities in the 15 Dec 1968 Grumman G-44 Widgeon accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 Dec 1968 involved a Grumman G-44 Widgeon, registration N148M, operated by PenAir - Peninsula Airways - Alaska Airlines Commuter, at Sanak Island, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

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.

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