# NTSB SEA85LA047: Maule M-5-235C, N6176M, Wenatchee, WA, January 19, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 18, 1985, 17:00 local (Jan 19, 1985, 01:00 UTC)
- Place: Wenatchee, WA
- Coordinates: 47.369476, -120.350158 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.3695&lon=-120.3502&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40108
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA85LA047
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40108/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA85LA047

## Analysis

THE PLT ELECTED TO MAKE A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING ONTO A SNOW COVERED GRAIN FIELD. HE STATED HIS ARTIFICAL HORIZON WAS INOPERATIVE & DARKNESS WAS APPROACHING. ALSO, HE SAID HE SAW A NEEDLE FLICKER & HE WAS NOT SURE IF IT WAS A FUEL GAGE OR HIS OIL PRESSURE GAGE. DURING THE LANDING, THE ACFT NOSED OVER IN 10 INCHES OF SNOW.

## Sequence of events

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

- Nose over, landing - roll
  - planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - flight/nav instruments,attitude indicator - inoperative (contributing factor)
  - operation with known deficiencies in equipment - performed
  - light condition - dusk (contributing factor)
  - fluid,fuel - low level (contributing factor)
  - precautionary landing - performed, pilot in command
  - terrain condition - snow covered (contributing factor)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause)

## Aircraft

- Registration: N6176M (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: MAULE M-5-235C
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 7113C
- Airframe hours: 805
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-540 250 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: James A Fors
- Registered owner: James Fors
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: THM, THOMPSON FALLS, WA
- Destination: 3WA1, ISSAQUAH, WA
- Flight plan: VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 43; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 346 total, 320 in this make and model, 326 as pilot in command, 14 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 4,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 25 °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 19850118019249A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850118019249A), Jan 18, 1985: Maule M5235C, Wenatchee, WA, Substantial damage. Getting dark, unsure of weather at destination. Precautionary landing in snow covered field, flipped onto back.

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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