Maule M-5-235 N6269M

Summary

On 13 August 2000 at about 14:45 local time, a Maule M-5-235 registered N6269M was involved in an accident near Paulina, Oregon, United States. 2 people were on board and 2 had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

13 August 2000 at 14:45

Classification

Accident

Location

Paulina, Oregon, United States

Coordinates

43.5904, -118.8898

Aircraft

Maule M-5-235

Registration

N6269M

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Troutdale → Prineville

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

SEA00LA158

2 people had minor injuries.

The pilot's failure to maintain an airspeed above stalling speed (Vs), which resulted in a stall/mush into the terrain. Factors include mountainous/hilly terrain, tall trees, a high density altitude, and the pilot's diverted attention as he attempted to keep a herd of deer in sight while maneuvering.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

While maneuvering to look at potential game hunting sites in mountainous/hilly terrain, the pilot spotted a herd of deer. He then executed a turn in order to head back toward the location where he had seen the herd. During the turn, he realized he was approaching terrain that was rising faster than he had expected. He therefore added full power and attempted to maneuver away from some trees that he was not sure he was going to be able to clear. While maneuvering to miss the trees, he noticed that the airspeed was '...too low (42-44 knots).' Before the pilot was able to take further action, the left wing dropped and the aircraft impacted the terrain while still at full power. Density altitude at the accident location was approximately 7,000 feet.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.