The origin of the Grumman Goose that crashed at Al Ain airport in Abu Dhabi on 27 February, killing all four occupants, has been revealed.
Goose modification company Antilles Seaplanes says the aircraft – registration N221AG – “has a complex and somewhat unusual regulatory history”.
Known as the Aleutian Goose, the aircraft was registered as a G-21G with the US Federal Aviation Administration. “However, it was not an actual G-model Turbo Goose and never conformed to the McKinnon [modified Goose] or Antilles type certificates,” says the company.
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“It was a one of a kind, a highly modified A-model Goose that was adapted originally by the US Fish & Wildlife Service during the early 1970s and used exclusively by that public agency until around 1993,” says Antilles.
“Given that the aircraft was a turbine-powered seaplane that originated as a Goose, the FAA granted Fish & Wildlife Service’s informal request for registration as a G-model, even though it did not conform to the type certificate. We believe that this was done in good faith so that the Aleutian Goose could operate for the Fish & Wildlife Service in a legal manner,” the company adds.
In 1993 the aircraft was sold into the private sector and by then no-one questioned the validity of the registration. “We at Antilles have been aware of this fact and have had discussions with the FAA about how to resolve this inconsistency so as to accurately reflect the aircraft’s origins and status,” the company says.
The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority is investigating the cause of the crash. The aircraft, believed to be operated by US-headquartered charter company Triple S Aviation, had been bound for the Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh, but came down at 20:07 just moments after becoming airborne, says the GCAA. “Shortly after lift-off the aircraft veered to the left and crashed,” it says, adding that it came down on taxiway K. The aircraft was destroyed by the impact and subsequent fire. Triple S is unavailable for comment.
Source: FlightGlobal.com
