# NTSB SEA88FA084: Maule M5-210C, N312X, Bend, OR, April 25, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: April 24, 1988, 17:05 local (Apr 25, 1988, 00:05 UTC)
- Place: Bend, OR
- Coordinates: 44.700237, -120.720733 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.7002&lon=-120.7207&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report February 28, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40723
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA88FA084
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40723/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA88FA084

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight encounter with weather, cruise
  - weather condition - low ceiling (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - snow (contributing factor)
  - preflight briefing service - disregarded, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - vfr flight into imc - attempted, pilot in command (cause)
  - correcting lenses, not worn, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly (contributing factor)

## Analysis

PLT FILED VFR AFTER ADVISED VFR NOT RECOMMENDED. WITNESS OBSERVED ACFT ON COURSE FOR DEST AT LOW ALT OVER HIWAY. WITNESS EST CEILING AT 100 FEET, VISIBILITY POOR IN MOD SNOW. ACFT OBSERVED TO EXECUTE SHARP LEFT TURN AMD IMPACT RISING TERRAIN. CORRECTIVE LENSES FOR 20/200 VISION REQUIRED TO BE WORN; NOT WORN.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N312X](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N312X-2012-09-25), registration cancelled 2012-09-25, S/N 6129C, built 1975 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: MAULE M5-210C
- Registry model: [Maule M-5-210C](https://openairdocs.org/model/maule-m-5-210c) (registry code 5460134) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming I0360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-i0360-series) (registry code 41515, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 6129C
- Airframe hours: 1295
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-360D 210 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Morris Hughes
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, February 21, 1988, 57 hours before
- Departed: ELY, ELY, NV
- Destination: RDM, REDMOND, OR
- Flight plan: VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 36; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 851 total, 476 in this make and model, 725 as pilot in command, 35 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Day
- Wind: 310° at 12 knots
- Lowest ceiling: 100 ft overcast
- Temperature: 37 °F, dew point 28 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: RDM, 20 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 19880424023069A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880424023069A), Apr 24, 1988: Maule M5210C, Bend, OR, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Flew into side of a cloud obscured ridge while trying to follow a highway under low ceiling fog and snow showers.

## Other investigations on N312X (1)

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 SEA83LA013](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA83LA013), Oct 24, 1982: Maule M-5-210C (N312X), Madras, OR, 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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