Pilot Debrief

MAULE M-6-235 near Bennett, CO — 2010-01-30

Final reportCEN10FA162
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Date
2010-01-30
Location
Bennett, CO, USA
Aircraft
MAULE M-6-235
Registration
N7613X
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a utility line while maneuvering.

NTSB narrative

The flight was flying along a creek looking for a place to land and go hiking, when the pilot thought he had struck a tree. The pilot continued to fly for about 17 miles before landing at a privately owned airport and placed the airplane in a friend’s hangar. Authorities became aware of the accident about six weeks later after airplane parts were found by property owners along the creek near a utility line. The parts included the left wing tip, left aileron, and portions of a wing spar. Examination of the impact site and wreckage indicated the airplane impacted a single unpowered and unmarked utility line about 35 feet above the creek. The utility line crossed the creek perpendicularly and the creek bed was lined on both sides by trees up to about 60 feet tall.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have avoided flying near the utility line and creek bed.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 9 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents9

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