Tuesday, October 10, 2017

Maule M-7-235 Super Rocket, N81818: Accident occurred October 07, 2017 in Manokotak, Alaska

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Anchorage, Alaska

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

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

http://registry.faa.gov/N81818

Analysis 

The pilot reported that, during takeoff from a beach, a wind gust pushed the airplane down, and he was unable to arrest the descent. Subsequently, the right wing impacted the beach first, then the left wing, the left landing gear collapsed, and the airplane came to a stop.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings.

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

According to the pilot, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 40° at 10 knots, gusting to 18 knots, and visibility was 10 miles. It is unknown from which direction the airplane was departing. 

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff in gusting wind conditions.

Findings

Aircraft
Directional control - Not attained/maintained (Cause)

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Pilot (Cause)

Environmental issues
Gusts - Effect on operation

Factual Information

History of Flight

Takeoff
Other weather encounter
Loss of control in flight (Defining event)
Landing gear collapse
Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)

Location: Manokotak, AK
Accident Number: GAA18CA006
Date & Time: 10/07/2017, 1430 AKD
Registration: N81818
Aircraft: MAULE M 7
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control in flight
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

The pilot reported that during takeoff from a beach, a gust of wind pushed the airplane down, and he was unable to arrest the decent. Subsequently the right wing impacted the beach first, then the left wing, the left landing gear collapsed, and the airplane came to a stop.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings.

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

According to the pilot the weather about the time of the accident was wind from 40° at 10 knots, wind gusts at 18 knots, and visibility of 10 miles. Its unknown which direction the airplane was departing. 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Airline Transport
Age: 36, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land; Single-engine Sea
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: Unknown
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 1 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 03/27/2017
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 09/05/2017
Flight Time:  (Estimated) , 8450 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 125 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 75 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 1 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Manufacturer: MAULE
Registration: N81818
Model/Series: M 7 235
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1987
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 4047C
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 09/04/2017, 100 Hour
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2500 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 3434 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: C126 installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-540-33A5
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 235 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: On-demand Air Taxi (135) 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: PAMB, 52 ft msl
Observation Time: 2208 UTC
Distance from Accident Site: 18 Nautical Miles
Direction from Accident Site: 59°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 300 ft agl
Temperature/Dew Point: 3°C / 3°C
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 1700 ft agl
Visibility:  8 Miles
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 11 knots/ 18 knots, 40°
Visibility (RVR): 
Altimeter Setting: 29.7 inches Hg
Visibility (RVV):
Precipitation and Obscuration: Light - Rain
Departure Point:  DILLINGHAM, AK (DLG)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Manokotak, AK
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1300 AKD
Type of Airspace: Class G

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries:  2 None
Latitude, Longitude:  58.830000, -159.531944 (est)

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