The US Federal Aviation Administration has issued an emergency airworthiness directive calling for immediate inspections of the wing spars of Grumman G-73 Mallard and G-73T Turbo Mallard twin turboprop amphibians. The directive follows the 19 December loss of a Chalks Ocean Airways Mallard after the seaplane’s right wing separated after take-off from Miami Beach, Florida, killing both crew and all 18 passengers. Wing spar metal fatigue is strongly suspected.

Source: Flight International

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