[YachtForums]

News channels are reporting a Chalks Seaplane has crashed at the entrance to the Port of Miami. The inlet is closed to traffic while divers hope to recover survivors. 16 people were aboard the flight. Six or seven people are confirmed survivors, with atleast 3 being reported as dead. A witness standing at the inlet jetty reports smoke coming from the plane just after lifting off, when it banked left and crashed.

[KCook]

What model seaplane do they fly?

Kelly

[YachtForums]

Chalks flies Grumman Albatross's. I recall hearing at one time that Chalk's had the best safety record of any airline, but I believe this was prior to another incident a few years ago. Some of these planes must be approaching 50 years of age. With their exposure to salt water and the rough landing conditions associated with seaplane operation... it's hard to believe they've held together so long!

[KCook]

Back when they were flying the little Goose jobs to Catalina Island I took one once. The open ocean takeoff was an experience never to be forgotten!

Kelly

[Kevin]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051219/...us/plane_crash

Just posted a few seconds ago... looks to be 12 dead now.

[MacMcL]

Prior to today's tragedy, Chalk's had suffered only one (1) fatality in its entire flying history, and that was a pilot bringing a plane back from the Bahamas, with no passengers on board. They have set a few down due to mechanical problems, but never a serious accident before today.

[CTdave]

Very sad. I have flown on Chalks several times. To make matters worse, I understand there were two infants on board
I read yesterday that ever since they were hijacked to Cuba and back in the mid 70's, company polocy was to never hold enough fuel to get there and back. This is to deter future hijackers to Cuba.