Pilot Debrief

MAULE MX 7-235 near San Ynez, CA — 2013-11-11

Final reportWPR14CA048
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Date
2013-11-11
Location
San Ynez, CA, USA
Aircraft
MAULE MX 7-235
Registration
N88CR
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance while maneuvering at low altitude in hilly terrain.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he departed from a remote private air strip and proceeded along a geological drainage ravine for 3 miles, then turned up a side canyon into rising terrain. As the airplane approached a saddle in the terrain the pilot spotted 2 black bears. The pilot entered a descent and executed a right turn to orbit the bears. After a 360-degree turn he realized that the airplane had descended too low and was approaching rising terrain. The airplane's slow airspeed and angle of bank did not allow for recovery and the airplane subsequently collided with the terrain and nosed over. The wings and fuselage were substantially damaged. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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