# NTSB ATL92FA107: Maule M-5-210C, N62047, Wetumpka, AL, May 23, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: May 23, 1992, 15:15 local (20:15 UTC)
- Place: Wetumpka, AL
- Coordinates: 32.54058, -86.20079 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.5406&lon=-86.2008&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal, 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report March 24, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 8508
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL92FA107
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/8508/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL92FA107

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT, AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN PROPER CLEARANCE FROM THE TRANSMISSION WIRES.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, cruise - normal
  - object - wire,transmission
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PRIVATE PILOT WAS ON LOCAL, PLEASURE FLIGHT WITH A PASSENGER.  THE PASSENGER REPORTED THAT WHILE CRUISING OVER A LAKE, THE PILOT JERKED THE AIRPLANE UP SHARPLY, THE WHEELS HUNG ON A POWER LINE, AND THE AIRCRAFT NOSED OVER INTO THE LAKE.  THIS ACCOUNT WAS CONFIRMED BY WITNESSES ON THE NEARBY SHORE.  THE PILOT WAS KILLED IN THE ACCIDENT, THE PASSENGER WAS RESCUED BY ONLOOKERS.  THE AIRCRAFT SANK IN ABOUT 75 FEET OF WATER.  INSPECTION OF THE WRECKAGE FAILED TO DISCLOSE ANY EVIDENCE OF PRE-EXISITNG MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE.  THERE WAS IMPACT DAMAGE TO THE RIGHT, MAIN LANDING GEAR STRUT INDICATIVE OF BRAIDED METAL CABLE CONTACT.  THIS WAS THE PASSENGER'S FIRST FLIGHT IN AN AIRPLANE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N62047](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N62047-1993-05-25), registration cancelled 1993-05-25, S/N 6070C (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: MAULE M-5-210C
- Registry model: [Maule M-5-210C](https://openairdocs.org/model/maule-m-5-210c) (registry code 5460134) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 6070C
- Airframe hours: 1543
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-360-D 210 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Colquitt, Robert T.
- Registered owner: Colquitt, Robert T.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 8, 1991, 33 hours before
- Departed: NONE, WETUMPKA, AL
- Destination: NONE

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 59; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 1,000 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 100° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 2,500 ft broken
- Temperature: 84 °F, dew point 43 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: MGM, 21 nm away

## 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 19920523016029A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920523016029A), May 23, 1992: Maule M5210C, Wetumpka, AL, Substantial damage, 1 fatal. Struck powerline and crashed while diving over a lake.

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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