# NTSB BFO87LA051: Maule M-4-210C, N51436, Burnt Chimney, VA, August 9, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 9, 1987, 12:30 local (16:30 UTC)
- Place: Burnt Chimney, VA
- Coordinates: 37.279743, -80.049751 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.2797&lon=-80.0498&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report October 7, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 11330
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=BFO87LA051
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/11330/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO87LA051

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, go-around (vfr)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - clearance - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
  - go-around - delayed, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - open field

## Analysis

THE PLT ATTEMPTED TO LAND ON A 1400 FT GRASS AIRSTRIP. THE PLT LATER STATED THAT DURING THE LNDG ROLL THE PASSG ALERTED HIM TO THE FACT THAT THEY WOULD NOT STOP ON THE RWY. THIS CAUSED THE PLT TO START A GO-AROUND FOLLOWED BY A 2ND ATTEMPT TO STOP. THE PLT SAID HE THEN REALIZED THAT HE COULD NOT STOP AND RE-ATTEMPTED THE GO-AROUND. DURING THE CLIMB A POWER LINE BLOCKED THE ACFTS PATH SO THE PLT ATTEMPTED TO FLY UNDER THE WIRES. DURING THIS MANEUVER THE ACFTS RT WING STRUCK A TREE AND THE ACFT DESCENDED TO COLLIDE WITH THE GROUND IN AN OPEN FIELD.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N51436](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N51436), registered now, S/N 1101C, built 1973 (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: 1101C
- Airframe hours: 539
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-360 210 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Todd R. Gills
- Registered owner: Todd R. Gillis
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, August 4, 1986
- Departed: ROA, ROANOKE, VA
- Airport: runway 5, 1,400 ×  ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 43; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 318 total, 74 in this make and model, 223 as pilot in command, 18 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 240° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 8 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 10,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 88 °F, dew point 72 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: ROA, 15 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 19870809079829A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870809079829A), Aug 9, 1987: Maule M4210C, Burnt Chimneys, VA, Destroyed. Struck a tree on an aborted go around. Aircraft descended and collided with the ground in an open field. Indecision

## Other investigations on N51436 (1)

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 CHI75DEP27](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI75DEP27), Oct 8, 1974: Maule M4220C (N51436), Eagle River, WI, 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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