# NTSB SEA01LA088: Maule Air M-7-235, N5669S, Everett, WA, May 11, 2001 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: May 10, 2001, 19:52 local (May 11, 2001, 02:52 UTC) - Place: Everett, WA - Coordinates: 47.890319, -122.249015 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.8903&lon=-122.2490&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report February 20, 2002 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: FAA-FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 52322 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA01LA088 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/52322/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA01LA088 ## Probable cause A system failure for undetermined reasons while on final approach. The pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft was a factor. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, approach - vfr pattern - final approach - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause) - aircraft control - not maintained, pilot in command (contributing factor) - In flight collision with terrain/water, emergency descent/landing - terrain condition - open field ## Analysis 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. ## Factual narrative 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. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N5669S](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5669S-2001-08-24), registration cancelled 2001-08-24, S/N 4040C (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Maule Air Inc. M-7-235 - Registry model: [Maule M-7-235](https://openairdocs.org/model/maule-m-7-235) (registry code 5470208) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 4040C - Airframe hours: 780 - Engines: Lycoming IO-540-W1A5D 235 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: John W. Stieber - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, July 12, 2000, 65 hours before - Departed: S31, Lopez Island, WA - Destination: PAE, Everett, WA - Airport: PAE, Snohomish Co (Paine Field), runway 34L, 9,010 × 150 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 52; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, single-engine sea; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; last flight review September 29, 2000; seat: left; flight hours: 240 total, 57 in this make and model, 110 as pilot in command, 21 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 340° at 12 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 52 °F, dew point 45 °F - Altimeter: 30.13 inHg - Observed at: PAE, 1 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 20010510010509A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20010510010509A), May 10, 2001: Maule M7235, Everett, WA, No damage. (-23)Aircraft N5669S collided with terrain west of runway 34 at Snohomish county (Paine field), Everett, Washington. Aircraft was registered and operated by… 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.