Maule M-5-235C N407X

Summary

On 12 June 2009 at about 19:30 local time, a Maule M-5-235C registered N407X, operated by Holman Michael C, was involved in an accident near Wasilla, Alaska, United States. 2 people were 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

12 June 2009 at 19:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Wasilla, Alaska, United States

Nearest airport

Finger Lake Seaplane Base (99Z)

Coordinates

61.6039, -149.2733

Aircraft

Maule M-5-235C

Registration

N407X

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Holman Michael C

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Wasilla → Kenai

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

ANC09CA056

Nobody was injured.

The pilot's selection of an unsuitable takeoff area with an unfavorable wind.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he was departing to the southwest in a float-equipped airplane, operated under Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. He said that variable south-southeasterly winds required a correction for a left crosswind during his takeoff run. As the airplane climbed to 70 feet above the water, the airspeed began to decrease, and the airplane stopped climbing as it neared the departure end of the lake. In the pilot's written statement to the NTSB he stated, in part: “It became apparent that the aircraft would not clear the trees at the end of the lake and there was insufficient room to land straight ahead.” The pilot indicated that as he turned the airplane to the left to avoid the trees, he lowered the nose to keep from stalling the airplane, and it descended at a high rate. The airplane’s floats struck the water, and the floats to fuselage struts collapsed. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and wing lift struts. The pilot indicated that there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane. He noted in his written statement to the NTSB that the accident might have been avoided if he had delayed his takeoff and waited for more favorable wind conditions, and if he had operated the airplane at a lower gross weight.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.