Maule M-4-220C N91480

Summary

On 15 May 2000 at about 19:30 local time, a Maule M-4-220C registered N91480 was involved in an accident near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, United States. One person was on board and nobody was injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

15 May 2000 at 19:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, United States

Nearest airport

None (NONE)

Coordinates

39.8305, -77.2304

Aircraft

Maule M-4-220C

Registration

N91480

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Unknown → Knoxlyn

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

IAD00LA042

Nobody was injured.

The pilot's improper pre-flight which resulted in the fuel strainer valve being left in the open position.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot was performing an engine run-up when the engine backfired. Shortly after the engine backfired white smoke was visible coming from the underside of the engine cowling. The pilot turned off the fuel selector switch and exited the airplane, where he noted the underside of the engine engulfed in flames. Examination of the airplane revealed that the fuel drain located under the engine was found in the open position.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.