# NTSB SEA96LA019: Maule M-6-235, N5646Z, Wisdom, MT, November 15, 1995

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 15, 1995, 08:00 local (15:00 UTC)
- Place: Wisdom, MT
- Coordinates: 45.539772, -113.54026 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.5398&lon=-113.5403&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report February 27, 1996
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 42311
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA96LA019
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/42311/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA96LA019

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE FROM THE FENCE POST.  FACTORS INCLUDE SUNGLARE, SLUSH COVERED TERRAIN, AND THE PILOT'S SELECTION OF UNSUITABLE TERRAIN FOR TAKEOFF.

## Sequence of events

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

- On ground/water collision with object, takeoff - roll/run
  - object - fence post
  - light condition - sunglare (contributing factor)
  - airport facilities,runway/landing area condition - slush covered (contributing factor)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT STATED THAT DURING THE TAKEOFF GROUND ROLL FROM A NARROW DRIVEWAY, HE MANEUVERED THE AIRPLANE TO THE LEFT TO AVOID A DEER. DURING THIS MANEUVER, THE LEFT WING COLLIDED WITH A FENCE POST. THE PILOT STATED THAT THE SUN WAS IN HIS EYES AND THAT THE DRIVEWAY WAS SLICK WITH SNOW AND MUD WHICH MADE CONTROLLING THE AIRPLANE DIFFICULT.

## Factual narrative

On November 15, 1995, at 0800 mountain standard time, a Maule M- 6-235, N5646Z, collided with a fence post during the takeoff ground roll from a driveway near Wisdom, Montana.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight.  The airplane was substantially damaged and the private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured.

In a written statement, the pilot reported that during the takeoff ground roll from a narrow driveway, he maneuvered the airplane to the left to avoid a deer.  During this maneuver, the left wing collided with a fence post.  The pilot stated that the sun was in his eyes and the driveway was "slick with snow, mud and mud ruts which made the plane difficult to control."

## Aircraft

- Registration: N5646Z (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: MAULE M-6-235
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 7393C
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-540 235 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Thomas A. Kimp
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, October 30, 1995, 25 hours before
- Destination: 6S5, HAMILTON, MT

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 37; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 600 total, 485 in this make and model, 60 in the last 90 days, 30 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none

## 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 19951115047029A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19951115047029A), Nov 15, 1995: Maule M6235, Wisdom, MT, Substantial damage. Swerved to avoid deer during takeoff from narrow driveway. Snow and mud a factor. Collided with a fence post.

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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