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Chalks Seaplane Crash @ Port of Miami...

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by YachtForums, Dec 19, 2005.

  1. YachtForums, Dec 19, 2005
    #1
    YachtForums

    YachtForums Administrator

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    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.
  2. KCook, Dec 19, 2005
    #2
    KCook

    KCook Senior Member

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    What model seaplane do they fly?

    Kelly
  3. YachtForums, Dec 19, 2005
    #3
    YachtForums

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    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!
  4. KCook, Dec 19, 2005
    #4
    KCook

    KCook Senior Member

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    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
  5. Kevin, Dec 19, 2005
    #5
    Kevin

    Kevin YF Moderator

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  6. MacMcL, Dec 19, 2005
    #6
    MacMcL

    MacMcL Senior Member

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    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.
  7. CTdave, Dec 20, 2005
    #7
    CTdave

    CTdave Senior Member

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    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.