Chalk's Ocean Airways, which claims to be the oldest airline in the U.S., has a history of crashes:
— Nov. 12, 2004: A malfunction forced a Chalk's Ocean Airways Grumman Mallard seaplane to make an emergency landing at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport after a flight from the Bahamas. The aircraft's landing gear was reportedly stuck. No injuries were reported.
— In February 2002, according to the NTSB, a Grumman G-73T plane operated by Chalk's Ocean Airways, crashed off Paradise Island, Bahamas, but no injuries were reported.
— In 2000, a Chalk's plane crashed off, when 15 passengers were virtually unscathed after an accident off Watson Island, Fla.
— March 18, 1994: Two pilots died after a Chalk's airplane crashed in Key West harbor, causing the first fatal accident in the airline's history.
According to Chalk's Ocean Airways, founded in 1919, Web site:
The Grumman G-73T Turbine Mallard is a twin-engine amphibious aircraft, powered by two Pratt & Whitney-Canada PT-6 turbine engines, and is capable of operating from water as well as land-based airports.
It can accommodate 17 passengers and can travel at 200 mph.
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