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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

August 25, 1989 · Maule M-5-235C · N9114E

Fairbanks, AK

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 25, 1989
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Fairbanks, AK
Aircraft
Maule M-5-235C
Tail Number
N9114E
Operator
Henry Dale
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC89LA149

THE PLT RPRTD HE WAS STEP TAXIING ON THE CHENA RIVER WHILE PROCEEDING TO A STRAIGHT AREA ON THE RIVER TO TAKE OFF. BEFORE REACHING THE STRAIGHT AREA, THERE WAS A RIGHT BEND IN THE RIVER. ABOUT HALFWAY THRU THE TURN, THE PLT REALIZED THAT EVEN WITH FULL RIGHT RUDDER, THE ACFT WOULD NOT TURN SHARP ENOUGH TO MAINTAIN SUFFICIENT SEPARATION FROM THE LEFT BANK WHICH HAD OVERHANGING TREES. SUBSEQUENTLY, IT STRUCK 'LAND AND TREES' ON THE LEFT SIDE & WAS DAMAGED.

NTSB Probable Cause

THE PILOT WAS TAXIING TOO FAST TO NEGOTIATE A BEND IN THE RIVER. TREES & THE RIVER BANK WERE CONTRIBUTING FACTORS.

Full Narrative

THE PLT RPRTD HE WAS STEP TAXIING ON THE CHENA RIVER WHILE PROCEEDING TO A STRAIGHT AREA ON THE RIVER TO TAKE OFF. BEFORE REACHING THE STRAIGHT AREA, THERE WAS A RIGHT BEND IN THE RIVER. ABOUT HALFWAY THRU THE TURN, THE PLT REALIZED THAT EVEN WITH FULL RIGHT RUDDER, THE ACFT WOULD NOT TURN SHARP ENOUGH TO MAINTAIN SUFFICIENT SEPARATION FROM THE LEFT BANK WHICH HAD OVERHANGING TREES. SUBSEQUENTLY, IT STRUCK 'LAND AND TREES' ON THE LEFT SIDE & WAS DAMAGED.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time21:25 AKDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMaule M-5-235C
Tail NumberN9114E
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorHenry Dale
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540-J1 · Reciprocating · 235
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 32 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind360° @ 6 kt
Visibility60 sm
CeilingOvercast 25000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 46
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data