# NTSB BFO86FID05: Maule M-4-210C, N9861M, Saluda, VA, May 31, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: May 31, 1986, 10:30 local (14:30 UTC)
- Place: Saluda, VA
- Coordinates: 37.600128, -76.589073 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.6001&lon=-76.5891&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 11225
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=BFO86FID05
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/11225/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO86FID05

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - object - vehicle
  - proper glidepath - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- Main gear collapsed, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - landing gear,main gear - overload
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven

## Analysis

WHILE ON FINAL APCH, THE ACFT STRUCK THE TOP SIDE OF A VAN WHICH WAS ON A ROAD OFF THE APCH END OF THE RWY. BOTH MAIN LANDING GEAR WERE SHEARED OFF AND THE PLT LANDED THE ACFT IN A GRASS AREA ALONG THE SIDE OF THE RWY. THE PLT REPORTED THAT A HIGH SINK RATE DEVELOPED DURING FINAL APCH.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9861M](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N9861M), registered now, S/N 1058C, built 1967 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: MAULE M-4-210C
- 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: 1525
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-360-A 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Salvatore Noto
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 3, 1985, 54 hours before
- Departed: KING GEORGE, VA
- Destination: W75, SALUDA, VA
- Airport: W75, Hummel Field, runway 36, 2,500 × 45 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 58; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 1,800 total, 350 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 10° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 6 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 82 °F, dew point 66 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: PHF, 34 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 19860531020289A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860531020289A), May 31, 1986: Maule M4210C, Saluda, VA, Substantial damage. Collided with the top of a delivery van on short final, shearing main gears. Landed on the grass on side of runway.

## 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 ATL93LA020](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL93LA020), Oct 31, 1992: Maule M4-210C (N9861M), Pickens, SC, substantial damage. 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…
- [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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