# NTSB CHI96LA056: Maule M-4, N12010, Hot Springs, SD, December 17, 1995 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: December 16, 1995, 18:00 local (Dec 17, 1995, 01:00 UTC) - Place: Hot Springs, SD - Coordinates: 43.430919, -103.479377 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.4309&lon=-103.4794&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 1 minor, 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report April 1, 1996 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 10171 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI96LA056 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/10171/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI96LA056 ## Probable cause an unauthorized modification of the air induction system by the pilot. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of engine power(partial) - nonmechanical, takeoff - initial climb - induction air ducting - blocked(total) (cause) - maintenance,modification - improper, pilot in command (cause) - Forced landing, emergency landing after takeoff - In flight collision with terrain/water, emergency landing after takeoff ## Analysis The pilot said that in an attempt to increase the amount of cabin heat, he closed off the two air inlets to the engine with cardboard. One air inlet allows cooling air to enter the cowling, the second air inlet supplies air to the carburetor. After takeoff, the pilot reported the airplane would not climb, and a forced landing was made. ## Factual narrative On December 16, 1995, at 1800 mountain standard time (mst), a Maule M-4, N12010, piloted by a private pilot, was substantially damaged, when it collided with terrain, following a loss of engine power shortly after takeoff. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The personal 14 CFR Part 91 flight was not operating on a flight plan. The pilot reported minor injuries, the two passengers were uninjured. The flight departed from Hot Springs, South Dakota, en route to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, exact time unknown. During a telephone interview with the pilot on December 18, 1995 the pilot explained the reason for the loss of power. He said that in an attempt to increase the amount of cabin heat, he closed off the two air inlets to the engine with cardboard. One air inlet allows cooling air to enter the cowling, the second air inlet supplies air to the carburetor. The pilot reported that after takeoff the airplane would not climb. The airplane's propeller, firewall and fuselage longerons were bent, and the main landing gear was knocked off during the forced landing. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N12010](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N12010-2012-06-12), registration cancelled 2012-06-12, S/N 20, built 1963 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: MAULE M-4 - Registry model: [Maule M-4](https://openairdocs.org/model/maule-m-4) (registry code 5460104) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental 0-300 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-300-series) (registry code 17022, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 20 - Engines: CONTINENTAL O-300 145 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Robert G. Mines - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Departed: HSR - Destination: FSD, SIOUX FALLS, SD ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 51; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 4,000 total, 60 in this make and model, 4,000 as pilot in command, 20 in the last 90 days, 20 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark - Wind: 100° at 3 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 37 °F, dew point 27 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg - Observed at: RAP, 45 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 19951216040749A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19951216040749A), Dec 16, 1995: Maule M4, Hot Springs, SD, Substantial damage. Blocked engine air intakes to obtain more cabin heat. Lost power. Unable climb on takeoff. Insufficient air flow. (-23) on December 15, 1995, at 1800 MST, a… ## Other investigations on N12010 (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 MKC90LA068](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC90LA068), Mar 16, 1990: Maule M4 (N12010), Creston, IA, substantial damage. Probable cause: SELECTION OF THE WRONG RUNWAY BY THE PILOT, AND HIS FAILURE TO GO-AROUND WHILE HE HAD SUFFICIENT SPEED AND RUNWAY TO DO SO. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE GUSTY TAILWIND AND WET RUNWAY… - [NTSB SEA68D0156](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA68D0156), Aug 24, 1967: Maule M-4 (N12010), Moore, MT, 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.