Motley Rice law firm has settled their cases on behalf of plaintiffs for the fatal Chalk’s Ocean Airways crash that occurred December 19, 2005. The aircraft was a Grumman G-73T Turbine Mallard on a scheduled service flight from Miami, Florida to Bimini in the Bahamas. The flight crashed in the Miami Beach Government Cut channel in Florida. There were 18 passengers and 2 crew members that perished on board the flight.
The accident aircraft was manufactured in 1947 and the current registration was in the name of Seaplane Adventures LLC, however was operated by Chalk’s Ocean Airways d/b/a Flying Boat Inc. Chalk’s Ocean Airways was purchased in 1999 by Jim Confalone. According to the airline’s website the fleet is “undergoing an extensive refurbishment program which includes complete mechanical overhaul and cosmetic renovation, in addition to all new interior appointments.” Chalk’s Airline is arguably the oldest airline in the world; its first scheduled operations began in 1919. The airline has changed ownership many times since Pappy Chalk started the airline during prohibition with the purpose of delivering thirsty drinkers from a “dry” United States to the Bahamas.
On December 22, 2005, The National Transportation and Safety Board (NTSB) released photos of the fatigue cracks that were found on the right wing of the aircraft when it was recovered. The right wing had separated at the inboard section, at the wing/fuselage juncture, which is consistent with fatigue fractures. According to the NTSB database, the history for this type of aircraft lists 4 other incidents/accidents which consisted of one fatal flight that involved only the crew members on board in 1994. The accident aircraft only shows an incident report dated April 17, 1984 where the aircraft had problems with its’ landing gear but was able to make a successful landing without injury to those on board. Available information shows 5 recent accidents: 1984, 1994, 2000, 2002 and 2005. The age of the plane and various Airworthiness Directives, bulletins, warnings and reports suggest aging aircraft and engine and propeller issues will be significant issues in the investigation.
