# NTSB SEA86LA078: Maule M-4-180C, N2037U, Orchards, WA, March 16, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 16, 1986, 15:30 local (23:30 UTC)
- Place: Orchards, WA
- Coordinates: 45.799186, -122.480812 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.7992&lon=-122.4808&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 3 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40368
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA86LA078
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40368/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA86LA078

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, takeoff - initial climb
  - fuel tank selector position - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, landing
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with object, landing
  - object - building(nonresidential)
  - object - vehicle

## Analysis

THE PILOT INADVERTENTLY PLACED THE FUEL SELECTOR TO A NON-TANK POSITION. DURING INITIAL CLIMB AT ABOUT 400 M.S.L. A TOTAL LOSS OF POWER OCCURRED. DURING FORCED LANDING THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK TELEPHONE LINES, A PATIO ROOF, AND A PARKED UNOCCUPIED PICKUP TRUCK.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2037U](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2037U-1993-08-02), registration cancelled 1993-08-02, S/N 3001C (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: MAULE M-4-180C
- Registry model: [Maule M-4-180C](https://openairdocs.org/model/maule-m-4-180c) (registry code 5460132) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 3001C
- Airframe hours: 1571
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-360 210 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Bruce W. Nelson
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: 0S6, ORCHARDS, WA
- Airport: 0S6, Clark County, runway 25, 2,800 × 85 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 207 total, 13 in this make and model, 207 as pilot in command, 15 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 310° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 35 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 9,000 ft
- Temperature: 55 °F, dew point 37 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: PDX, 9 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 19860316006479A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860316006479A), Mar 16, 1986: Maule M4180C, Orchards, WA, Destroyed. Loss of power after takeoff. Struck lines, truck and residence on forced landing. Fuel selector in wrong position.

## Other investigations on N2037U (2)

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.

- [NTSB OAK77DVG47](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/OAK77DVG47), Jun 27, 1977: Maule M-4 (N2037U), Weed, CA, destroyed
- [NTSB OAK75FVW15](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/OAK75FVW15), Mar 9, 1975: Maule M-4 (N2037U), Mesquite, NV, substantial damage

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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