# NTSB GAA17CA304: Maule MX7, N888WF, Sidney, ME, May 23, 2017 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: May 23, 2017, 17:20 local (21:20 UTC) - Place: Sidney, ME - Coordinates: 44.472778, -69.736114 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.4728&lon=-69.7361&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Takeoff: Loss of control on ground](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report July 20, 2017 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: General Aviation Accidents - Parties: FAA - NTSB case key (mKey): 95236 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=GAA17CA304 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/95236/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=95236 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA304 ## Probable cause The pilot’s delayed application of rudder and failure to maintain directional control during takeoff. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Performance/control parameters: directional control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Maule MX-7-160, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020/cases.md?model=5470203), [All aircraft, 3,958 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020/cases.md) - [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Maule MX-7-160, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=5470203), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md) - [Action: delayed action](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041025): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Maule MX-7-160, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041025/cases.md?model=5470203), [All aircraft, 894 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041025/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Takeoff: Loss of control on ground](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230) (defining event); cases with it: [Maule MX-7-160, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md?model=5470203), [All aircraft, 4,585 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md) - [Takeoff: Attempted remediation/recovery](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/060); cases with it: [Maule MX-7-160, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/060/sequence.md?model=5470203), [All aircraft, 1,422 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/060/sequence.md) - [Takeoff: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Maule MX-7-160, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=5470203), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) ## Analysis The pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during takeoff from a grass airstrip, he applied full power, and the airplane veered to the left "more than normal," and he "was late" to correct with right rudder. The airplane impacted a tree, the left wing separated, and the airplane came to rest on its left side. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. ## Factual narrative The pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that during takeoff on a grass airstrip, he applied full power and the airplane veered to the left "more than normal" and he "was late" to correct with right rudder. The airplane impacted a tree, the left wing separated, and the airplane came to rest on its left side. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N888WF](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N888WF-2020-05-29), registration cancelled 2020-05-29, S/N 19024C, built 1994 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: MAULE MX7 (160) - Registry model: [Maule MX-7-160](https://openairdocs.org/model/maule-mx-7-160) (registry code 5470203) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 19024C - Year built: 1994 - Airframe hours: 615 - Engines: Lycoming O-320-B2D 160 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, September 18, 2016 - Departed: PVT, Sidney, ME - Flight plan: Unknown - Airport: PVT, Private Grass Strip, runway N, 1,400 × 400 ft, grass/turf - Equipment: None ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 63; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; last flight review June 18, 2016; seat: left; restraint: 3-point; flight hours: 270 total, 45 in this make and model, 14 in the last 90 days, 6.5 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 260° at 5 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 72 °F, dew point 46 °F - Altimeter: 29.75 inHg - Observed at: KWVL, 5 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 20170523005979A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20170523005979A), May 23, 2017: Maule MX-7-160, Sidney, ME, Substantial damage. Pilot was attempting takeoff from private grass strip. Pilot stated that he lost directional control when the tail wheel lifted. The aircraft veered sharply… ## Docket (2 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on June 26, 2017, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=95236. 1.3 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 1.0 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40453694&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Master.PDF - Accident Photo (item 2, .PDF, 306 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40453695&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Accident%20Photo-Master.PDF 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.