The NTSB has issued a preliminary report on the tragic accident that resulted in the crash of a Chalks Ocean Airways' G-73 Turbine Mallard, N2969, and all 20 passengers and crew aboard.

NTSB Identification: DCA06MA010
Scheduled 14 CFR Part 121: Air Carrier operation of FLYING BOAT INC (D.B.A. Chalks Ocean Airways)
Accident occurred Monday, December 19, 2005 in Miami, FL
Aircraft: Grumman G-73T, registration: N2969
Injuries: 20 Fatal.

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed.

On December 19, 2005, about 2:39 p.m. eastern standard time, a Grumman G-73T Turbo Mallard seaplane, N2969, operated by Flying Boats Inc. DBA Chalks Ocean Airways, as Flight 101, experienced an in-flight breakup and crashed near Miami, Florida. The flight had just departed from the Watson's Island seaplane base (X44) and was en route to Bimini, Bahamas. Witnesses, photos and video, and examination of the wreckage indicate that the right wing separated in flight, and an ensuing fire, prior to the seaplane descending into the water near a rock jetty. The 2 crewmembers and 18 passengers, including 3 infants, were fatally injured. The flight was operating under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 121. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident.

The seaplane was originally manufactured in 1947 as a Grumman Mallard, equipped with Pratt and Whitney radial piston engines. In 1979 the seaplane was modified by Frakes Aviation, in accordance with Supplemental Type Certificates SA2323WE and SA4410SW to increase the seating capacity from 10 to 17 passengers, and to replace the original engines with Pratt and Whitney PT-6 turboprop powerplants. The seaplane entered into service with Chalks in 1980.

Initial wreckage examination indicated that the right wing separated near the root. Preliminary metallurgical examination has located evidence of fatigue cracking in the lower rear wing spar cap, along the lower wing skin, and on an internal z-stringer. Additional evidence of fatigue cracking has been noted in the corresponding area on the left wing.

On December 30, 2005, the FAA issued Emergency Airworthiness Directive 2006-01-51 requiring detailed inspections of the wings of all G-73 seaplanes.

The airplane was equipped with a cockpit voice recorder, which was recovered, however the recording was not usable.

The Safety Board team has recovered the wreckage to a salvage facility, and pertinent sections of structure have been sent to the NTSB materials lab in Washington for further examination.

Parties to the investigation include the FAA, Chalks Ocean Airways, Pratt & Whitney Canada and Frakes Aviation.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov