SEA01LA088

The pilot reported that while on final approach for landing, the aircraft began to drift to the left. The pilot corrected with rudder control, however, the aircraft continued to drift. The pilot also applied aileron input, however, the aircraft continued to drift to the left and begin a left circular turn. The pilot elected to go-around to try and remedy the problem. Power was added which resulted in the aircraft yawing to the left even with full right rudder and aileron control inputs. The pilot reported that he had no directional control and opted to land the aircraft off airport. During this turn, the left wing continued to drop and the aircraft lost altitude. The pilot located an open field and landed the aircraft left wing low and nose down. A Federal Aviation Administration Inspector responded to the accident site and later followed up when the aircraft was recovered from the accident site. The inspector reported that he inspected the flight control system, but did not find evidence of a mechanical failure or malfunction.

On May 10, 2001, at 1952 Pacific daylight time, a Maule M-7-235, N5669S, registered to and operated by the private pilot as a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, collided with the terrain short of runway 34 at Snohomish County (Paine Field), Everett, Washington. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft was substantially damaged and the private pilot was not injured. The flight originated from Lopez Island, Washington, about 20 minutes prior to the accident.

During a telephone interview and subsequent written statement, the pilot reported that prior to contact with the tower, he checked the winds via ATIS. ATIS reported the wind from 34 degrees at six knots. The pilot then contacted the tower and was given clearance for left traffic to land on runway 34 left. The pilot reported that he performed the pre-landing checklist and set speed and flaps for landing. The pilot reported that while on final approach to runway 34, the aircraft began to drift to the left and he applied right rudder control, however the aircraft continued to drift. The pilot then applied aileron control, which also had no effect. The pilot reported that he eventually applied full right rudder and aileron control as the aircraft made a left circular turn. The pilot stated that he elected to go-around to try and remedy the problem. Power was added which resulted in the aircraft yawing to the left even with full right rudder and aileron control inputs. The aircraft was now in a steady 15 to 20 degree left turn. The pilot stated that he had no directional control and opted to land the aircraft off airport. During this turn, the left wing continued to drop and the aircraft lost altitude. The pilot located an open field and landed the aircraft left wing low and nose down.

A Federal Aviation Administration Inspector from the Seattle, Washington, Flight Standards District Office responded to the accident site and later followed up when the aircraft was recovered from the accident site. The inspector reported that he inspected the flight control system, but did not find evidence of a mechanical failure or malfunction.