Christiansted – Charlotte Amalie

On September 2, 1978 at 10:21 AM, Christiansted – Charlotte Amalie experienced a crash involving Grumman G-21A Goose, operated by Antilles Air Boats, with the event recorded near Saint Thomas All US Virgin Islands.

The flight was categorized as scheduled revenue flight and the reported phase was flight at a lake, sea, ocean, river crash site.

11 people were known to be on board, 4 fatalities were recorded, 7 survivors were identified or estimated. This corresponds to an estimated fatality rate of 36.4%.

Crew on board: 1, crew fatalities: 1, passengers on board: 10, passenger fatalities: 3, other fatalities: 0.

The listed crash cause is human factor. 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.

Aircraft reference details include registration N7777V, MSN B111, year of manufacture 1945.