# NTSB LAX91LA100: Maule M-6-235, N5662F, Mobile, AZ, February 13, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 13, 1991, 15:46 local (22:46 UTC)
- Place: Mobile, AZ
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 31, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27114
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX91LA100
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27114/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91LA100

## Probable cause

THE PILOTS' FAILURE TO ESTABLISH A SUFFICIENT CLIMB RATE TO AVOID STRIKING A FENCE.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, takeoff
  - object - fence
  - proper climb rate - not attained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, takeoff

## Analysis

THE CERTIFICATED PRIVATE PILOT WAS DEPARTING A PRIVATELY OWNED DIRT RUNWAY. JUST AFTER LIFTOFF, THE TAIL WHEEL STRUCK A BARBED WIRE FENCE THAT CROSSED THE DEPARTURE CORRIDOR. THE AIRPLANE THEN CRASHED ON DESERT TERRAIN, SHEARING OFF THE ENGINE AND DESTROYING THE AIRPLANE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5662F](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5662F-1991-06-13), registration cancelled 1991-06-13, S/N 7469C (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: MAULE M-6-235
- Registry model: [Maule M-6-235](https://openairdocs.org/model/maule-m-6-235) (registry code 5460160) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 7469C
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-540-W1A50 235 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Wolkins, Derrill O.
- Registered owner: Wolkins, Derrill O.
- Destination: P10, CHANDLER, AZ

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 51; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, single-engine sea; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 551.2 total, 164.6 in this make and model, 432.2 as pilot in command, 17.6 in the last 90 days, 6.3 in the last 30 days, 0.5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 35 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F, dew point -0 °F

## 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 19910213002309A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910213002309A), Feb 13, 1991: Maule M6235, Maricopa, AZ, Destroyed. Tail wheel struck wire fence on takeoff from short Private strip caused loss of control and crash.

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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