# NTSB SEA96LA069: Maule M-5-235C, N563UC, Sunriver, OR, March 16, 1996 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: March 15, 1996, 19:40 local (Mar 16, 1996, 03:40 UTC) - Place: Sunriver, OR - Coordinates: 43.409782, -123.11016 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.4098&lon=-123.1102&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report July 25, 1996 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 42346 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA96LA069 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/42346/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA96LA069 ## Probable cause the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing rollout. A factor contributing to the accident was the presence of a tree near the edge of the runway. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - ground loop/swerve - inadvertent, pilot in command - On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll - object - tree(s) (contributing factor) ## Analysis The pilot stated that upon touchdown he felt a 'tremendous tailwheel shimmy' and lost directional control of the airplane. The airplane began to veer off the right edge of the runway. The pilot stated that he applied full power to regain rudder authority. As the airplane headed back onto the runway, the right wing impacted a pine tree. The left wing then impacted terrain and the propeller contacted the ground. The pilot did not report any preimpact mechanical malfunctions, and an examination of the tailwheel did not disclose evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunction. ## Factual narrative On March 15, 1996, about 1940 Pacific standard time, a Maule M-5-235C airplane, operated by the owner/pilot, collided with a tree during landing rollout near Sunriver, Oregon, and was substantially damaged. The private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a visual flight rules (VFR) flight plan had been filed. The flight departed from Arlington, Washington, and was conducted under 14 CFR 91. The pilot stated that upon touchdown on runway 36, he felt a "tremendous tailwheel shimmy" and lost directional control of the airplane. The airplane began to veer off the right edge of the runway. The pilot stated that he applied full power to regain rudder authority. As the airplane headed back onto the runway, the right wing impacted a pine tree. The left wing then impacted terrain and the propeller contacted the ground. The pilot did not report any preimpact mechanical malfunctions. According to an FAA aviation safety inspector from Portland, Oregon, the right wing was substantially damaged in the collision with the tree, and the left wing and left horizontal stabilizer were damaged during ground impact. An examination of the tailwheel did not disclose evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunction. The pilot reported that he had logged a total of 154 hours of flight time, including 36 in type. The pilot estimated that the winds were at 340 degrees magnetic about 9 knots at the time of the accident. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N563UC](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N563UC-2017-06-15), registration cancelled 2017-06-15, S/N 7245C (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Maule M-5-235C - Registry model: [Maule M-5-235C](https://openairdocs.org/model/maule-m-5-235c) (registry code 5460135) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 7245C - Airframe hours: 1604 - Engines: Lycoming O-540-J1A5D 235 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Mullen, Peter S. - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: 100 hour, August 3, 1995, 41 hours before - Departed: AWO, ARLINGTON, WA - Destination: S21 - Flight plan: VFR - Airport: S21, Sunriver Airport, runway 36, 5,500 × 65 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 35; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 154 total, 36 in this make and model, 104 as pilot in command, 6 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk - Wind: 320° at 7 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 43 °F, dew point 23 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg - Observed at: RDM, 30 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 19960315004349A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19960315004349A), Mar 15, 1996: Maule M5235C, Bend, OR, Substantial damage. Tailwheel shimmey landing. Swerved added power to recover. Went off other side. Wing hit a tree. Crashed. 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.