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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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May 11, 2001 · Maule Air M-7-235 · N5669S

Everett, WA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 11, 2001
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Everett, WA
Aircraft
Maule Air M-7-235
Tail Number
N5669S
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA01LA088

The pilot reported that while on final approach for landing, the aircraft began to drift to the left. The pilot corrected with rudder control, however, the aircraft continued to drift. The pilot also applied aileron input, however, the aircraft continued to drift to the left and begin a left circular turn. The pilot elected to go-around to try and remedy the problem. Power was added which resulted in the aircraft yawing to the left even with full right rudder and aileron control inputs. The pilot reported that he had no directional control and opted to land the aircraft off airport. During this turn, the left wing continued to drop and the aircraft lost altitude. The pilot located an open field and landed the aircraft left wing low and nose down. A Federal Aviation Administration Inspector responded to the accident site and later followed up when the aircraft was recovered from the accident site. The inspector reported that he inspected the flight control system, but did not find evidence of a mechanical failure or malfunction.

NTSB Probable Cause

A system failure for undetermined reasons while on final approach. The pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft was a factor.

Full Narrative

On May 10, 2001, at 1952 Pacific daylight time, a Maule M-7-235, N5669S, registered to and operated by the private pilot as a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, collided with the terrain short of runway 34 at Snohomish County (Paine Field), Everett, Washington. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft was substantially damaged and the private pilot was not injured. The flight originated from Lopez Island, Washington, about 20 minutes prior to the accident. During a telephone interview and subsequent written statement, the pilot reported that prior to contact with the tower, he checked the winds via ATIS. ATIS reported the wind from 34 degrees at six knots. The pilot then contacted the tower and was given clearance for left traffic to land on runway 34 left. The pilot reported that he performed the pre-landing checklist and set speed and flaps for landing. The pilot reported that while on final approach to runway 34, the aircraft began to drift to the left and he applied right rudder control, however the aircraft continued to drift. The pilot then applied aileron control, which also had no effect. The pilot reported that he eventually applied full right rudder and aileron control as the aircraft made a left circular turn. The pilot stated that he elected to go-around to try and remedy the problem. Power was added which resulted in the aircraft yawing to the left even with full right rudder and aileron control inputs. The aircraft was now in a steady 15 to 20 degree left turn. The pilot stated that he had no directional control and opted to land the aircraft off airport. During this turn, the left wing continued to drop and the aircraft lost altitude. The pilot located an open field and landed the aircraft left wing low and nose down. A Federal Aviation Administration Inspector from the Seattle, Washington, Flight Standards District Office responded to the accident site and later followed up when the aircraft was recovered from the accident site. The inspector reported that he inspected the flight control system, but did not find evidence of a mechanical failure or malfunction.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:52 PDT
Nearest AirportSnohomish Co (Paine Field) (1nm SW)
Runway34L
Runway Length9010 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMaule Air M-7-235
Tail NumberN5669S
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540-W1A5D · Reciprocating · 235
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 52 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind340° @ 12 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point52 / 45 C
Altimeter30.13 inHg
Observation Time02:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data