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July 1, 1997 · Maule MX-7-180C · N71VF

Dyersburg, TN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 1, 1997
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Dyersburg, TN
Aircraft
Maule MX-7-180C
Tail Number
N71VF
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL97LA094

The pilot stated that he was landing on runway 34 when the airplane 'bounced on landing and weathervaned into the wind.' He said he initiated a go-around and gradually retracted the flaps to build up his airspeed; however, the airplane remained in ground effect. The pilot stated that the airplane would not 'climb quickly enough to clear a hedgerow perimetering a golf course.' Subsequently, the airplane struck the hedgerow and crashed onto the golf course. Ambient conditions at the time of the accident included high temperature and high density altitude.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's improper planning/decision and failure to insure the that airplane would remain clear of trees during the go-around. Factors relating to the accident included: the high temperature, high density altitude, and the proximity of trees.

Full Narrative

On July 1, 1997, about 1615 central daylight time (CDT), a Maule MX-7-180C, N71VF, collided with the ground, near the Dyersburg Airport, Dyersburg, Tennessee. The flight was being conducted under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91, with no flight plan filed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The commercial pilot received minor injuries, and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The departure time is unknown. The pilot stated that he was landing on runway 34 when he "bounced on landing and weathervaned into the wind". He initiated a go-around, "in order to not impose severe sideload on the landing gear". The airplane remained in ground effect, and the pilot gradually retracted the flaps to build up his airspeed. The pilot stated that the airplane would not "climb quickly enough to clear a hedgerow perimetering a golf course". The airplane struck the hedgerow, the left wing struck a tree, and the airplane rotated approximately 135 degrees. Subsequently, the left main gear struck a "barbed-wire fence and was torn from the airframe". The airplane came to rest on the golf course. According to the Sheriff's report, the pilot stated that he was "landing on runway 34 and the plane began to veer to the left and he decided to try and go around. The plane did not get enough altitude, causing the plane to veer to the left with the left wing tip striking the ground and then plow through a fence row coming to rest in the number six fairway, heading south". There were no mechanical malfunctions reported by the pilot. According to the Sheriff's Report, the pilot stated that he was leaving another airplane at the airport for an inspection and was picking up N71VF for a test flight with its newly installed avionics equipment. He stated that he stopped in Kenneth, Missouri for fuel, and then returned to Dyersburg, stating that he was having problems with the new radio and was returning to have it inspected. The pilot purchased N71VF, a 1997 MX-7-180C, new and had accumulated 11 hours total airframe time. The engine left the Lycoming factory on 10/19/96. The pilot stated in the accident report that an annual inspection would be the type of maintenance program. The last inspection was prior to leaving the factory.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:15 CDT
Nearest AirportDyersburg Municipal (1nm)
Runway34
Runway Length4000 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMaule MX-7-180C
Tail NumberN71VF
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-C1F · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 43 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind240° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time21:41
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data