# NTSB FTW95LA165: Maule MXT-7-180, N563AB, Eunice, LA, April 11, 1995

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 11, 1995, 08:00 local (13:00 UTC)
- Place: Eunice, LA
- Coordinates: 30.489545, -92.409881 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.4895&lon=-92.4099&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report June 19, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 19390
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW95LA165
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/19390/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW95LA165

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE. A FACTOR WAS THE WINDSHEAR CONDITION.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
  - weather condition - windshear (contributing factor)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS MANEUVERING THE AIRPLANE IN ORDER TO SURVEY A DOWNED POWERLINE. WINDS WERE FROM THE NORTHWEST AT 10 KNOTS GUSTING TO 15 KNOTS ACCORDING TO THE PILOT. DURING THE TURNING MANEUVER TO THE EAST SOUTHEAST, THE AIRPLANE BEGAN TO LOSE ALTITUDE AND AS THE TURN CONTINUED, THE RIGHT WING RAISED UPWARD AND THE LEFT WING STRUCK THE GROUND. THE AIRPLANE CAME TO REST WITH THE LEFT WING SEPARATED. THE FAA INSPECTOR REPORTED THAT A WEATHER FRONT MOVING THROUGH THE AREA WAS ACCOMPANIED BY GUSTING WINDS.

## Factual narrative

On April 11, 1995, at 0800 central daylight time, a Maule   MXT-7-180, N563AB, was substantially damaged while maneuvering near Eunice, Louisiana.  The commercial pilot did not sustain injury; however, the passenger received minor injuries.  Visual meteorological conditions existed for the local powerline patrol flight.

During a personal interview, conducted by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, the pilot stated that "he was attempting to circle a downed powerline."  He further reported that "windshear forced the airplane down and the airplane was not able to climb."

The enclosed Pilot/Operator report states that the ceiling was 1,000 feet above the ground (AGL), winds were from the northwest at 10 knots gusting to 15 knots.  During the turning maneuver to the east southeast, the airplane began to loose altitude.  As the pilot turned the airplane toward the north, the right wing was "suddenly blown upward" and the left wing struck the ground.

The FAA inspector examining the site reported the airplane came to rest in a rice field with the left wing separated from the airframe.  He further stated that a weather front, moving through the area, with thunderstorms, rain, and gusting winds reduced the ceilings to 800 to 900 feet overcast and visibility to 7 miles at the time of the flight.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N563AB](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N563AB-2001-01-17), registration cancelled 2001-01-17, S/N 14003C (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: MAULE MXT-7-180
- Registry model: [Maule MXT-7-180](https://openairdocs.org/model/maule-mxt-7-180) (registry code 5470206) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 14003C
- Airframe hours: 682
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-C1F 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Other work use, Part 91
- Registered owner: Beck, Albert T.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, February 25, 1995, 47 hours before
- Departed: 4R7, LA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 55; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 1,001 total, 626 in this make and model, 936 as pilot in command, 246 in the last 90 days, 30 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 315° at 10 knots, gusting 15
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 1,000 ft overcast

## 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 19950411007209A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19950411007209A), Apr 11, 1995: Maule MXT7180, Eunice, LA, Substantial damage. Surveying downed power line. Frontal wind raised wing. Other hit ground. Severed a wing.

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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