Maule M-7-260, N260BD: Accident occurred December 31, 2016 in Palouse, Whitman County, Washington

Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf 

Aviation Accident Factual Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

Docket And Docket Items - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms

http://registry.faa.gov/N260BD

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office: Spokane, Washington

NTSB Identification: GAA17CA106
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Saturday, December 31, 2016 in Palouse, WA
Probable Cause Approval Date: 03/13/2017
Aircraft: MAULE M7, registration: N260BD
Injuries: 1 Minor.

NTSB investigators used data provided by various entities, including, but not limited to, the Federal Aviation Administration and/or the operator and did not travel in support of this investigation to prepare this aircraft accident report.

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during a “medium speed taxi” on a runway in crosswind conditions, the airplane taxied over ice and drifted to the right. The pilot further reported that he corrected to the left, reduced throttle power, and the airplane taxied onto packed snow, “regaining lateral traction.” The pilot attempted to correct with right rudder, but the airplane continued to veer to the left, exited the runway, and came to rest inverted.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and left wing lift struts.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows:
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control on an ice- and snow-covered runway during taxi with a crosswind, which resulted in a runway excursion.

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that during a "medium speed taxi" on a runway in crosswind conditions the airplane taxied over ice and drifted to the right. The pilot further reported that he corrected to the left, reduced throttle power, and the airplane taxied onto packed snow, "regaining lateral traction". The pilot attempted to correct with right rudder, but the airplane continued to veer to the left, exited the runway, and came to rest inverted.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and left wing lift struts.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.