# NTSB ANC88LA127: Maule M-4, N12020, Eureka Creek, AK, September 6, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 5, 1988, 16:00 local (Sep 6, 1988, 00:00 UTC)
- Place: Eureka Creek, AK
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report July 21, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 5068
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC88LA127
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/5068/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC88LA127

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - terrain condition - loose gravel/sandy (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - uphill (contributing factor)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- Nose over, takeoff - roll/run

## Analysis

DURING THE TAKEOFF ROLL ON AN UPSLOPING GRAVEL AIRSTRIP, THE PILOT LOST CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE. THE AIRPLANE NOSED OVER ON ITS BACK. THE PILOT AND BOTH PASSENGERS EXITED THE AIRPLANE WITHOUT INJURIES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N12020](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N12020-2000-09-06), registration cancelled 2000-09-06, S/N 30 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: MAULE M-4
- Registry model: [Maule M-4](https://openairdocs.org/model/maule-m-4) (registry code 5460104) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 30
- Airframe hours: 1140
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-300-A 145 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Otcheck, John
- Registered owner: John Otcheck
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, December 8, 1987
- Departed: PAQ, PALMER, AK

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 40; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 140 total, 140 in this make and model, 99 as pilot in command, 49 in the last 90 days, 17 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 60 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 50 °F, dew point 30 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19880905038449A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880905038449A), Sep 5, 1988: Maule M4, Eureka Creek, AK, Substantial damage. Lost control on takeoff from a gravel bar and aircraft nosed over.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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