Martin M.130 accident at Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, 8 Jan 1945 (NC14716)
On January 8, 1945, a Martin M.130 (registration NC14716) operated by Pan American World Airways - PAA was involved in an aviation accident near Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago during landing or approach. 23 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The Board determines that the probable cause of this accident was: - First Officer Cramer’s failure to realize his proximity to the water and to correct his attitude for a normal landing and, - the lack of adequate supervision by the Captain during the… This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Probable cause
The Board determines that the probable cause of this accident was: - First Officer Cramer’s failure to realize his proximity to the water and to correct his attitude for a normal landing and, - the lack of adequate supervision by the Captain during the landing, resulting in the inadvertent flight into the water in excess of normal landing speed and in a nose-down attitude.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
On final approach to Port of Spain, the seaplane hit the water surface some 1,5 mile short of the touchdown zone, overturned and sank. 23 occupants were killed while seven others were injured.
Probable cause (official findings): The Board determines that the probable cause of this accident was: - First Officer Cramer’s failure to realize his proximity to the water and to correct his attitude for a normal landing and, - the lack of adequate supervision by the Captain during the landing, resulting in the inadvertent flight into the water in excess of normal landing speed and in a nose-down attitude.