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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

July 12, 1993 · Maxair MU532

Fox Lake, IL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 12, 1993
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Fox Lake, IL
Aircraft
Maxair MU532
Operator
John R Diebel
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI93DEE03

THE PILOT REPORTED TO THE SHERIFF THAT WHILE MANEUVERING OVER A LAKE AT APPROXIMATELY 50 FEET ABOVE THE WATER, A GUST OF WIND FORCED THE NOSE OF THE AIRPLANE DOWNWARD AND IT IMPACTED THE WATER. THE PILOT DID NOT HOLD FAA PILOT OR MEDICAL CERTIFICATES, AND THE AIRPLANE DID NOT HAVE FAA REGISTRATION OR AIRWORTHINESS CERTIFICATES. ACCORDING TO THE FAA INSPECTOR WHO INSPECTED THE WRECKAGE, THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE AIRPLANE DID NOT COMPLY WITH FAA REQUIREMENTS.

NTSB Probable Cause

the failure of the pilot to maintain the necessary altitude above the terrain.

Full Narrative

On July 11, 1993, about 1955 central daylight time, a two-place Maxair Drifter MU532 airplane, owned and piloted by John R. Diebel descended to a water impact while maneuvering over Pistakee Lake, near Fox Lake, Illinois. The sole occupant was seriously injured, and the airplane received substantial damage. Visual meteorological conditions existed for the personal flight operated under 14 CFR Part 91. The flight originated from an unknown location. No flight plan was filed. The operator did not hold FAA pilot or medical certificates. The construction of the Maxair Drifter did not comply with the requirements of FAR Part 103. The airplane did not have FAA registration or airworthiness certificates. The operator did not hold or operate the Maxair Drifter in accordance with the conditions of an exemption. On July 21, 1993, an NTSB Form 6120.1/2 was forwarded to Mr. Diebel for completion and submission. This form has not been returned. The wreckage was towed to a nearby marina. To facilitate towing and storage, the wings, landing gear, and fuel containers were disassembled. Personnel from the marina ran the engine to purge it of any water. Investigation of the airplane revealed the following: The longitudinal support attaching the empennage was severed into two pieces, the propeller blades of the pusher-mounted engine were severed almost to the hub. The cockpit area and remaining structures were intact and relatively undamaged. Except for some of the hardware, none of the seatbelts, instruments, or other components were of aircraft quality or had any TSO markings. The assembly techniques were not in accordance with acceptable FAA maintenance practices. Approximately nine gallons of automotive fuel was contained in two interconnected plastic five-gallon containers strapped onto individual racks and located behind the aft seat. The permanent fuel line fitting that connected the containers was broken.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:55 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMaxair MU532
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorJohn R Diebel
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · BOMBADIER 582 · Reciprocating · 65
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 30 · Unknown

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind300° @ 8 kt
Visibility35 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time00:45

Appendix: Source Data