# NTSB CHI07CA298: Maule M-4-220C, N40325, Keene, ND, September 12, 2007

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: September 12, 2007, 14:30 local (19:30 UTC)
- Place: Keene, ND
- Coordinates: 47.940555, -102.890556
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.9406&lon=-102.8906&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report October 31, 2007
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- Parties: FAA-Fargo FSDO
- NTSB case key (mKey): 66852
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI07CA298
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/66852/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI07CA298

## Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during takeoff due to the high crosswind condition.  Contributing factors were the high, gusting crosswind, and the tree.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, takeoff
  - aircraft control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - high wind (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)

## Analysis

The airplane impacted a tree during takeoff from a gravel road.  The road was oriented north-south and the piloted attempted to depart to the south.  The pilot stated that during the takeoff, as he passed a building on the west side of the road, a "hell of a gust of wind" overpowered the airplane.  He was unable to maintain control and the airplane subsequently impacted a tree along the east side of the road.  He noted that winds were from the west at approximately 30 knots, with higher gusts.  The pilot stated that there were no failures or malfunctions associated with the airplane prior to the accident.

## Factual narrative

The airplane was substantially damaged when it impacted a tree during takeoff from a gravel road.  The road was oriented north-south and the piloted attempted to depart to the south.  The pilot stated that during the takeoff, as he passed a building on the west side of the road, a "hell of a gust of wind" overpowered the airplane.  He was unable to maintain control and the airplane subsequently impacted a tree along the east side of the road.  He noted that winds were from the west at approximately 30 knots, with higher gusts.  The pilot stated that there were no failures or malfunctions associated with the airplane prior to the accident.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N40325](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N40325-2012-11-15), registration cancelled 2012-11-15, S/N 2100C, built 1972 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Maule M-4-220C
- Registry model: [Maule M-4-220C](https://openairdocs.org/model/maule-m-4-220c) (registry code 5460114) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Franklin 6V 350 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/franklin-6v-350-series) (registry code 27043, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 2100C
- Airframe hours: 2400
- Engines: Franklin 6A-350-C1 220 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, August 1, 2007
- Departed: PVT, Keene, ND
- Destination: PVT, Dunn Center, ND
- Airport: runway 180, 1,500 × 16 ft, gravel

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 59; injuries: minor; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; last flight review August 1, 2006; seat: left; flight hours: 3,000 total, 2,700 in this make and model, 3,000 as pilot in command, 30 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 270° at 30 knots, gusting 35
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 77 °F, dew point 45 °F
- Altimeter: 29.71 inHg
- Observed at: ISN, 31 nm away

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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