On February 18, 1964, a Grumman G-73 Mallard (registration JA5067) operated by Nitto Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Osaka-Itami, Japan during takeoff. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Mechanical failure of the engines following takeoff caused the aircraft to stall and crash. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A seaplane crashed in a rice paddy field following engine issues shortly after departing from Osaka-Itami Airport, resulting in multiple casualties.
What happened
During the initial climb phase following departure from Osaka-Itami Airport, the crew of a seaplane experienced significant mechanical difficulties involving the engines. As the aircraft struggled with these engine problems, it lost sufficient airspeed and entered a stall condition.
The aircraft subsequently descended into a nearby rice paddy field. The impact resulted in two fatalities among the occupants. In addition to the deaths, eight individuals sustained injuries during the accident.
Findings
Official investigations concluded that the primary factor leading to the loss of control and subsequent crash was engine problems occurring immediately after takeoff.
Probable cause
Mechanical failure of the engines following takeoff caused the aircraft to stall and crash.