Antilles Air Boats

Grumman G-21A Goose

The seaplane was engaged in a test flight out from Christiansted on behalf of the FAA. While flying off Christiansted, the pilot encountered engine problems and decided to ditch the aircraft few miles offshore. All three occupants were rescued while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Grumman G-21A Goose

En route from Christiansted to Charlotte Amalie, while in cruising altitude, one of the engine failed. The pilot attempted to ditch the aircraft off St Thomas Island when the seaplane crashed into the sea. Three passengers and the pilot, Cpt Charles Blair (69), owner of the company, were killed. Seven other occupants were injured. The aircraft was lost.

Grumman G-21A Goose

After takeoff from Charlotte Amalie, while climbing, the left engine failed. The pilot reduced his altitude and ditched the aircraft that struck rocks and came to rest by the shore. All 11 occupants were evacuated safely while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Grumman G-21A Goose

Several minutes after departure from St John on flight 415 to Christiansted, both engines stopped quite simultaneously. The crew reduced his altitude and attempted to ditch the aircraft. The amphibian landed in heavy sea conditions two miles northeast of Frenchmans Cap, approximately four miles southeast of Red Hook, on the east coast of St Thomas Island. All seven passengers were rescued while both pilots were killed.

Grumman G-21A Goose

En route from Charlotte Amalie to Christiansted, the right engine failed. The pilot feathered the propeller and later attempted an emergency landing when the seaplane crashed into the Caribbean Sea off St Croix Island. The airplane sank and was not recovered. Five passengers were drowned while five other occupants were rescued.

Grumman G-21A Goose

While flying along the coast of Culebra Island on a flight from Charlotte Amalie to Fajardo, both engines failed simultaneously. The pilot reduced his altitude and attempted to ditch the airplane that struck the water surface, crashed few dozen yards offshore and sank rapidly. Nine occupants were injured, five of them seriously while two passengers were killed.

Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina

While approaching the seaplane base of Christiansted, the crew suspected technical problems with the undercarriage and decided to divert to Christiansted-Alexander Hamilton Airport. Upon touchdown, the left main gear collapsed and the seaplane came to rest. While both pilots were uninjured, the airplane was damaged beyond repair.