# NTSB ATL93LA020: Maule M4-210C, N9861M, Pickens, SC, October 31, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 31, 1992, 15:30 local (20:30 UTC)
- Place: Pickens, SC
- Coordinates: 34.880546, -82.699302 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.8805&lon=-82.6993&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report June 21, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 8701
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL93LA020
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/8701/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL93LA020

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO FOLLOW NORMAL BEFORE TAKEOFF PROCEDURES WHICH INCLUDED PLACING THE PROPELLER LEVER IN THE HIGH RPM LOW PITCH POSITION. THE PILOT ALSO DELAYED IN ABORTING THE TAKEOFF ATTEMPT AND APPLIED HARD BRAKING WHICH RESULTED IN A NOSE OVER.

## Sequence of events

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

- Nose over, takeoff - aborted
  - propeller - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - checklist - not followed, pilot in command (cause)
  - remedial action - delayed, pilot in command (cause)
  - brakes(normal) - excessive, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PILOT HAD COMPLETED THREE LANDINGS AND WAS ATTEMPTING A TAKEOFF WHEN THE ENGINE FAILED TO DEVELOP TAKEOFF POWER. THE PILOT ELECTED TO ABORT THE TAKEOFF ABOUT 3300 FEET INTO THE TAKEOFF ROLL. AS THE PILOT APPLIED BRAKING, THE AIRPLANE NOSED OVER. AFTER THE ACCIDENT, THE PILOT NOTICED THAT THE PROPELLER CONTROL LEVER WAS IN THE MID RANGE POSITION. ACCORDING TO THE AIRCRAFT CHECKLIST, THE PILOT IS INSTRUCTED TO PLACE THE PROPELLER CONTROL LEVER IN THE FULL FORWARD POSITION BEFORE TAKEOFF. NO MECHANICAL PROBLEMS WERE REPORTED BY THE PILOT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9861M](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N9861M), registered now, S/N 1058C, built 1967 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: MAULE M4-210C
- Registry model: [Maule M-4-210C](https://openairdocs.org/model/maule-m-4-210c) (registry code 5460112) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental IO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-io-360-series) (registry code 17025, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 1058C
- Airframe hours: 1815
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-360D 210 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Abbott, David W.
- Registered owner: Abbott, David W.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 15, 1992, 101 hours before
- Departed: LQK
- Destination: LQK
- Airport: LQK, Pickens County, runway 23, 5,000 × 50 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 54; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 232 total, 29 in this make and model, 154 as pilot in command, 23 in the last 90 days, 7 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 73 °F, dew point 55 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: GSP, 30 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 19921031044419A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19921031044419A), Oct 31, 1992: Maule M4210C, Pickens, SC, Substantial damage. Failed develop takeoff power. Aborted 2/3 down runway. Hit brakes to stop. Nosed over. Prop lever not forward.

## Other investigations on N9861M (2)

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.

- [NTSB BFO86FID05](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO86FID05), May 31, 1986: Maule M-4-210C (N9861M), Saluda, VA, substantial damage
- [NTSB NYC81FHJ11](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC81FHJ11), Jul 27, 1981: Maule M-4 (N9861M), Farmingdale, NY, substantial damage

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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