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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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December 15, 2016 · Maule MX 7 235 · N56681

Willow, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 15, 2016
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Willow, AK
Aircraft
Maule MX 7 235 (1987)
Tail Number
N56681
Operator
Denali Flying Service
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA17CA101

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during takeoff from a remote airstrip, the airplane impacted a snowdrift and was "launched" into the air. Subsequently, he heard something break. He added that the airplane appeared to be fine with no indications of a problem other than the left tire "looked a little off." The pilot returned to his original departure airport without further incident. During a postaccident examination, his mechanic discovered that the tubing in the bottom of the fuselage where the oleo strut attached to the main landing gear was broken. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. As a safety recommendation, the pilot added that walking the runway before takeoff might have revealed the snowdrift.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to ensure that the runway was clear of any obstacles before departure, which resulted in the airplane impacting a snowdrift.

Full Narrative

The pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that during takeoff from a remote airstrip, the airplane impacted a snowdrift and was "launched" into the air. Subsequently, he heard something break. He added that the airplane appeared to be fine with no indications of a problem other than the left tire "looked a little off". The pilot returned to his original departure airport without further incident. During a post-accident examination, his mechanic discovered that the tubing in the bottom of the fuselage where the olio strut attached to the main landing gear was broken. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. As a safety recommendation, the pilot added that walking the runway prior to takeoff might have revealed the snowdrift.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:00 AKST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMaule MX 7 235
Tail NumberN56681
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorDenali Flying Service
Operating RulePart 135
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 63 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind350° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 4600 ft
Temperature / Dew Point18 C / 1 C
Altimeter30.36 inHg
Observation Time19:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data